A group of tight ends contributed to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense during the 2025 season, with Darnell Washington standing out for his performance and physical style of play. Washington, now in his third year, became recognized for more than just blocking. His efforts were highlighted in a game against the Bengals on November 16, where he caught four passes for a career-high 67 yards. Several plays from that game gained attention online due to his ability to break tackles and gain extra yardage.
Aaron Rodgers commented on Washington’s impact: “The play with the catch and run, the awareness level that he had to know ‘I got a guy close to me, I’m going to catch this and I’m going to turn, then I’m going to stiff-arm this guy.’ And he’s faster than people probably think, because he’s so tremendously large, and he’s also shifty. Third-and-17, to drop it off on a checkdown and have him make a guy miss and then kind of fall forward and get a first down; that’s not what you expect. But those are game-changing plays, and he’s consistently, most of the season, made those plays.”
Washington finished the season with 31 receptions for 364 yards and one touchdown. He achieved 16 first downs—fourth highest on the team—and improved both his catch total and receiving yards compared to previous seasons.
Rodgers added: “They’re getting scared of him, for sure. They should be. He’s a mammoth, but he jumped over a guy, he stiff-armed a guy to the ground, ran a guy over, made another guy miss a tackle, then he had a block where he knocked two guys down. I’m just so proud of him, just his approach, and really the growth I’ve seen since training camp as he’s continued to get his body in shape, get his mind in shape. He’s a guy you don’t worry about the details at all.”
Mason Rudolph praised Washington’s work ethic: “He’s one of the hardest working guys,” said Rudolph. “Takes care of his body. Big-time studier. He’s hungry.
“Really,we’ve got such a deep tight end room from Pat to Jonnu to Connor doing the quarterback sneak deal like he’s done. But, yeah,Darnell adds a different element to it.”
Among Steelers tight ends in catches this season were Pat Freiermuth (41) leading the group and Jonnu Smith (38) following closely behind Washington (31). Freiermuth set personal bests with an average of 11.9 yards per catch and recorded his longest career reception—a 68-yarder against Cincinnati.
Freiermuth played an important role during critical moments in games as well; notably catching three passes for 51 yards against Baltimore in Week 18—including key third-down conversions that helped set up touchdowns.
Rodgers acknowledged Freiermuth’s professionalism: “I have a lot of respect for Pat,f irst and foremost,the way he’s handled himself this entire season,” said Rodgers.”Withthe emergenceof Darnellandthe big personnelthat we’ve used,(Freiermuth) hasn’t had as many snaps as he’s usedto or would’ve wanted.Not one time this entire year–andhe’s my locker mate so I can saythiswith absolute confidenceand100% honesty–notone timedid I hearhim complain abouthis snap count about anything.There isalot tobesaidforthat.”
Jonnu Smith contributed both as receiver (38 catches) and runner; matching his career high with nine carries for seventy yards includinga fourteen-yard touchdown against Miami.Smith,a Pro Bowlerin2024,is preparingforhis tenthNFLseasonasheturns thirty-oneinAugust.
Connor Heyward took partin short-yardage situations (“Spartan” formation),lining up under center sixteen timeswith thirteen successfulconversions.Heywardrushed fifteen timesfor forty-three yardsandtwo touchdowns,and also served asa lead-blocking fullback.He will becomeafree agentinMarch after completinghis fourthseasonwiththe team.
Rookie J.J.Galbreath joinedthe practice squadafter animpressive summer,and recently signed afutures contract.Donald Parham,Jr.,another large tight end,suffered an Achilles injury before theseason beganandmissed theyear.He is expectedtobecomeafree agentinMarch.
