After trading for tight end Jonnu Smith this offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Darnell Washington could be a possible trade candidate this upcoming 2025 season. According to a report, they believe the Steelers will trade Washington after salvaging the tight end department for Aaron Rodgers’ pass offense to give him two solid contributors between Smith and starter Pat Freiermuth. Since the Steelers have probably one of the best tight end tandems in the league, it might be time for the team to part ways with Washington. Originally selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, the former Georgia product could find a new roster before the season starts, even though it’s a bit early, as he became one of the most promising tight ends that the Steelers were hoping he would develop.
However, it hasn’t been panning out the way that he wants. Washington was already not receiving many snaps, recording just 19 catches on 25 targets for 200 yards and just a touchdown. It will get worse for Washington if he stays with the Steelers, as there’s not much room for him to grow in this old-veteran system that Mike Tomlin is constructing together. There’s nothing wrong with Washington himself, as he is more known for his measurables as a talent and the future production he could put out at the right opportunity. With that, he could join these next teams in a possible trade to give him a fighting chance to win a starting job.
Former Steelers Third Rounder Darnell Washington Named Trade Candidate – 3 Possible Fits
Potential Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
Despite trading for wide receiver George Pickens this offseason from the Steelers, the Cowboys could negotiate another deal. Washington is still in his rookie contract, and that is something that Dallas is willing to afford, so they may probably get him in the mix between Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker. Both of these current tight ends on the roster have yet to prove they’re the long-term options, but Ferguson is hoping to prove otherwise as the starter. He’s on the hot seat this upcoming season, and they could benefit from Washington’s presence not only as a pass-blocker but someone who can catch crucial passes from quarterback Dak Prescott in critical moments.
Schoonmaker hasn’t been living up to expectations the past two seasons as a reliable backup. Perhaps, they could see if Washington could fit better in this offensive system.
Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders have one of the best offenses in the league after making some improvements for quarterback Jayden Daniels. After trading for Deebo Samuel, they’re shaping up for another season of potential success that will see Daniels throwing the football. Despite that, Zach Ertz is coming back for at least one more year, but there’s no guarantee he will have much in the tank since he is aging. Washington is the better option if the Commanders want to invest in their tight end unit early, as John Bates is only capable as a pass-blocker.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints need all of the pass-catchers that they can get being since Derek Carr isn’t returning to the Saints. This means the team is stuck without an unproven quarterback between Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler. Juwan Johnson has the chance to improve, but why not form a tandem in New Orleans to give either Shough or Rattler a better chance to complete their passes?
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