Story by
Steelers Must Avoid Reducing Darnell Washington's Role Under Mike McCarthy
- Story by
- Steelers Must Avoid Reducing Darnell Washington's Role Under Mike McCarthy
The Pittsburgh Steelers have finished two weeks of training camp , and one of the biggest questions surrounding the team is how the offense will operate under head coach Mike McCarthy . McCarthy has created a number of successful offenses throughout his career, including during his time with current Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers . His offenses have traditionally found ways to put playmakers in position to succeed, including receivers and tight ends who have gone on to produce career-best numbers. However, one Steelers insider believes one tight end could see a smaller role in 2026 after enjoying a breakout season in 2025.
After Pat Freiermuth saw a dip in production in 2025 under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith , Darnell Washington emerged as a more significant part of the passing game. Ray Fittipaldo joined 93.7 The Fan and expressed concern that Washington could see a reduced receiving role as the Steelers look to get Freiermuth more involved.
Advertisement
"They are definitely throwing to him less in camp this year than they were last year," Fittipaldo said. "I think there's been an emphasis to get Pat Freiermuth more involved. I'm not saying Darnell has disappeared from the passing offense. You just don't notice him as much."
Steelers Must Keep Darnell Washington Involved
Nov 30, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) rushes and is tackled by Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White (27) during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
While getting Freiermuth more involved makes sense, the Steelers shouldn't lose sight of what Washington brings to the offense . His combination of size, athleticism, blocking ability, and receiving ability makes him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. Washington proved in 2025 that he can be more than a traditional blocking tight end. If the Steelers begin featuring him less in the passing game, they could make the offense more predictable and eliminate one of the more unique weapons on the roster.
Advertisement
At the same time, there is no reason the Steelers can't find a way to utilize both Washington and Freiermuth. McCarthy has experience working with multiple tight ends and has a talented enough group of offensive weapons to create different looks for opposing defenses.
McCarthy's pass happy offense can keep everyone going
Nov 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) runs after a catch as Cincinnati Bengals safety Geno Stone (22) defends during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The Steelers don't necessarily need Washington to replicate his 2025 production, but they do need to keep him involved. His presence on the field can create opportunities for the rest of the offense, whether he is catching passes, blocking for Rodgers and the run game, or forcing defenses to account for his size and athleticism.
Advertisement
The bigger question is whether McCarthy can find a way to get all of Pittsburgh's offensive weapons involved without taking away what made Washington so effective last season. The Steelers have receivers like DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. who are well established in the league. They also have rising young talent like Germie Bernard and Roman Wilson .
The good news is, unlike Smith's offense, McCarthy's preference to operate through the pass attack can keep the ball spread around. Can McCarthy find a way to get all these offensive weapons to flourish, including Washington?
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
