Steelers' 2nd-Year TE Darnell Washington Expecting Big Year As He Puts NFL On Notice

The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to have a need at wide receiver, although the front office hasn't rushed to fill an interesting room that consists of several number three and four wideouts. The addition of Roman Wilson in the 2024 NFL Draft certainly helped, but General Manager Omar Khan has also brought a good amount of competition into the tight end room. The latest signing came on Wednesday when the organization inked Izaiah Gathings to a one-year deal. MyCole Pruitt also joined during the offseason, so one may believe that the additions could be competing with 2023 third-round pick Darnell Washington for a roster spot.

Washington wasn't much of a factor during his rookie season. He hauled in just seven catches for 61 yards. The tight end was never expected to be a dynamic threat in the passing game, but Pat Freiermuth dealt with injuries and Washington failed to emerge as a legitimate option. The biggest positive of his seven catches was that four of them went for first downs.

In an Arthur Smith-led offense, the tight end position has also been valued. The Steelers' new play-caller is bound to utilize the unit more in the passing game and when speaking to reporters on Thursday, Washington has a feeling that he will step up in 2024.

Washington detailed that he is going with his gut. He was excited during his rookie season, but he seems to have a little bit more optimism as he enters his second year in the NFL.

"It's just more of a gut feeling. Ya know, kind of just going with my gut and ya know, I'm just really excited this year. Not saying I wasn't excited last year, but, ya know, just trying to improve on year one."

Freiermuth is the unquestioned top tight end on the roster, but there seems to be a cluster behind him: Washington, Pruitt, Gathings, Connor Heyward and Rodney Williams. It will be interesting to see who sets himself aside as the team continues offseason activities and moves into training camp, as well as the preseason.

The emphasis on tight end usage that Smith has always had as a play-caller can't make a plethora of tight ends competing for reps a surprise. Washington, however, has a leg up and it's not because of his ability to make an impact in the receiving game. He is a large body at 6'7" and can move opposing defenders when blocking for running backs.

If there's one thing that Smith has proven to enjoy using more than a tight end, it's running the football. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren have been set up for success entering 2024 and a successful rushing attack goes beyond just having a solid and revamped offensive line. It's a fair take for one to say that, if Pruitt or Gathings impresses on offense and special teams, Heyward could be fighting for a roster spot before Washington.

Steelers Set To Have New-Look Offense In 2024

The tight end position will be crucial in Smith's newly-implemented offense. Freiermuth should be the focus, but his health will be imperative. It's not a surprise that the team is loading up in terms of depth. With a scheme that relies so much on the position, it's never bad to have as many faces in the room as possible, especially when the summer months are up ahead.

Do you think that Washington will be a threat offensively for the Steelers in 2024? Let us know in the comments below!

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