Steelers GM Omar Khan Rejects Idea Of Moving Massive Tight End To Tackle

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still in the rebuilding process of their offensive line. Still searching for the right pieces, the Steelers will be open to anything that will benefit them and their offense. However, moving gigantic tight end Darnell Washington to tackle is not on the team's agenda. 

Washington was selected by the Steelers in the 2023 NFL Draft out of the University of Georgia in the third round. Washington is a massive player, as he comes in at 6 foot 7 and 265 pounds. During his three years at Georgia, the tight end progressed each season as a receiver. Showing signs of being a valuable target, the Steelers would have liked to use him in the passing game more last season. Washington was only able to rack up 7 receptions for 61 yards on only 10 targets in his rookie year in Pittsburgh.

Because of the lack of production as a pass catcher, Washington and his size was noticed for his blocking abilities instead. This led to the notion from many analysts that Washington should possibly move to the offensive line, as their line has been one of the worst for multiple years. With the Steelers still trying to put together the o-line they desire, Washington's big body is an intriguing option for them at tackle. 

Steelers' Omar Khan Wants To Keep Washington At Tight End In 2024

While at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, Steelers General Manager Omar Khan was asked about the possibility of moving Washington to tackle, and if Washington will remain a tight end. Khan isn't sold on the idea of moving his back up tight end to the offensive line. 

"He's a tight end, yeah."

The Steelers will look to add other true pieces to their line to improve it, and won't bother making a position change. The additions for the line will come within the draft and free agency.

The Steelers' offense has struggled as a whole though. Going into next season, they aren't looking for any excuses for a lack of production on offense. In order for the Steelers to have a dominant offense as they hope for, getting guys like Washington more involved in the blocking and pass catching games will matter.

Whether or not his position actually changes, Washington will continue to have an impact on the blocking game for the pass and run. With new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith coming into the Steel City, the Steelers will look to run the ball more than ever. Smith will also strive to have the offensive line be a dominant and physical force in front of the deadly duo in running backs in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, who will both look to have even better seasons in 2024.

Coach Smith has done a great job previously of utilizing tight ends in his offensive schemes. As the recent head coach for the Atlanta Falcons, Smith targeted tight ends Kyle Pitts and Jonnu Smith 160 times last season. Behind wide out Drake London, the two tight ends had the two most receiving yards for the Falcons. In 2020 when Smith was the offensive coordinator in Tennessee, Coach Smith also had Jonnu Smith as his first string tight end. There, Smith and the rest of the tight ends caught 94 passes. 

Coach Smith will look to get Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth and Washington involved more next season. Both tight ends did not perform up to par in 2023. Freiermuth had a down year with injuries, less targets, poor quarterback play, and Washington will look to improve in the blocking game and become more comfortable in the pass catching game. 

What do you think, Steeler Nation? Will Washington flourish as he remains as a tight end? Or should Khan consider moving him to the o-line? Let us know in the comments. 

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