Since he was drafted, Darnell Washington has carried the reputation of being a block-first tight end, serving almost as an extra offensive tackle. But from the Steelers' perspective, Washington's value extends far beyond what he does at the line of scrimmage.
Speaking Tuesday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Mike McCarthy praised the third-year tight end, highlighting not only his unique skill set as a blocker but also the impact he can make as a receiver.
"He's a complete wide tight end," McCarthy said. "I've been so impressed with him. To have a tight end that can line up next to the tackle and block a defensive end, that's not the norm in the last couple of decades in the National Football League. He gives you the ability to play under center offense the way it was played in the 90s."
Washington's size immediately made him an intriguing prospect the moment he was drafted. At 6-foot-7 and playing at a self-proclaimed 311 pounds last season, he possesses offensive tackle-like power. At the same time, he still has enough athleticism to contribute in the passing game.
One area where that showed up in 2025 was on underneath receptions in long down-and-distance situations, most notably when he plowed through three Bengals on a catch-and-run.
"He's a problem, he's a matchup problem," McCarthy said. "He's a matchup problem in the pass game, especially in the red zone, third down situations, so he has added a lot of value to our offense."
Washington finished last season with modest receiving numbers, catching 31 passes for 364 yards and one touchdown. But even under the new head coach, the Steelers view him as a dual-threat tight end. With McCarthy installing a new offense, the opportunity could be there for Washington to become a bigger part of the passing attack while continuing to serve as one of the team's premier blockers.
That's why the Steelers just handed Washington a four-year, $42 million extension with $21 million guaranteed. In their eyes, he's not just a blocker. And, amid those contract negotiations, Washington has been fervently dedicated to learning his role in the new offense.
"He's been here every single day in the offseason program," McCarthy said. "He's been a pro. His attention to detail in the meetings, he doesn't say a whole lot, but I've been impressed with his work ethic."
Now, there's only one ball to go around. Unlike recent seasons, the Steelers have a deeper wide receiver room that includes DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., second-round rookie Germie Bernard and out-to-prove-the-world-wrong Roman Wilson. In addition, the Steelers aren't paying Pat Freiermuth $33.8 million over the next three seasons to play second fiddle to Washington.
Traditional West Coast offenses operate primarily out of 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end, three wide receivers). As he discussed his offensive philosophy, McCarthy emphasized that personnel dictates scheme rather than the other way around. That's one reason he's excited about what he has at tight end heading into training camp.
"I look at offense really in three categories: You have two-back offense, one-back offense, and no-back offense," McCarthy said. "I've been fortunate to coordinate offenses for a long time, 20-plus years, and that'll be no different here. ... And we definitely got some tight ends that I'm looking forward to working with."
For Washington, that could mean the largest opportunity of his young career.
THE ASYLUM
McCarthy: Washington's more than a blocker
Since he was drafted, Darnell Washington has carried the reputation of being a block-first tight end, serving almost as an extra offensive tackle. But from the Steelers' perspective, Washington's value extends far beyond what he does at the line of scrimmage.
Speaking Tuesday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Mike McCarthy praised the third-year tight end, highlighting not only his unique skill set as a blocker but also the impact he can make as a receiver.
"He's a complete wide tight end," McCarthy said. "I've been so impressed with him. To have a tight end that can line up next to the tackle and block a defensive end, that's not the norm in the last couple of decades in the National Football League. He gives you the ability to play under center offense the way it was played in the 90s."
Washington's size immediately made him an intriguing prospect the moment he was drafted. At 6-foot-7 and playing at a self-proclaimed 311 pounds last season, he possesses offensive tackle-like power. At the same time, he still has enough athleticism to contribute in the passing game.
One area where that showed up in 2025 was on underneath receptions in long down-and-distance situations, most notably when he plowed through three Bengals on a catch-and-run.
"He's a problem, he's a matchup problem," McCarthy said. "He's a matchup problem in the pass game, especially in the red zone, third down situations, so he has added a lot of value to our offense."
Washington finished last season with modest receiving numbers, catching 31 passes for 364 yards and one touchdown. But even under the new head coach, the Steelers view him as a dual-threat tight end. With McCarthy installing a new offense, the opportunity could be there for Washington to become a bigger part of the passing attack while continuing to serve as one of the team's premier blockers.
That's why the Steelers just handed Washington a four-year, $42 million extension with $21 million guaranteed. In their eyes, he's not just a blocker. And, amid those contract negotiations, Washington has been fervently dedicated to learning his role in the new offense.
"He's been here every single day in the offseason program," McCarthy said. "He's been a pro. His attention to detail in the meetings, he doesn't say a whole lot, but I've been impressed with his work ethic."
Now, there's only one ball to go around. Unlike recent seasons, the Steelers have a deeper wide receiver room that includes DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., second-round rookie Germie Bernard and out-to-prove-the-world-wrong Roman Wilson. In addition, the Steelers aren't paying Pat Freiermuth $33.8 million over the next three seasons to play second fiddle to Washington.
Traditional West Coast offenses operate primarily out of 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end, three wide receivers). As he discussed his offensive philosophy, McCarthy emphasized that personnel dictates scheme rather than the other way around. That's one reason he's excited about what he has at tight end heading into training camp.
"I look at offense really in three categories: You have two-back offense, one-back offense, and no-back offense," McCarthy said. "I've been fortunate to coordinate offenses for a long time, 20-plus years, and that'll be no different here. ... And we definitely got some tight ends that I'm looking forward to working with."
For Washington, that could mean the largest opportunity of his young career.
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