Former Steelers TE Praises Darnell Washington as One-of-a-Kind Talent

Jonnu Smith says the Steelers' massive tight end is in 'a league of his own' with his rare blend of size and speed.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:18pm

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Former Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith heaped praise on current Steelers tight end Darnell Washington, calling him a unique talent in the NFL. Smith said Washington's combination of size, strength, and speed makes him a 'larger than life human being' who is in 'a league of his own' at the position.

Why it matters

The Steelers are clearly betting big on Washington, releasing Jonnu Smith and making the 6'7", 275-pound tight end a key part of their offensive plans. Washington's rare physical attributes could make him a matchup nightmare for defenses if he continues to develop as a receiver.

The details

At 6'7" and over 300 pounds, Washington is the biggest tight end in the NFL. Former teammate Jonnu Smith said Washington's size makes Smith look 'like a mouse' when they line up next to each other. But Washington also has surprising speed and athleticism for a player his size, which allowed him to have a productive 2025 season with 31 receptions for 364 yards and a touchdown.

  • Washington is heading into a contract year in 2026.
  • The Steelers released Jonnu Smith in free agency, signaling their belief in Washington.

The players

Darnell Washington

A 6'7", 275-pound tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers who is considered a unique talent in the NFL due to his rare combination of size and athleticism.

Jonnu Smith

A former tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers who was released in free agency, allowing the team to focus on developing Darnell Washington.

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What they’re saying

“Comes in, works hard, listens. Very coachable and can move. You ever see this guy come across and block across the line of scrimmage? Oh my goodness. It's a sight to see. Not really a comp out there, and I think he's in a league of his own. And that's what's so special. That's the best thing he's got going for himself.”

— Jonnu Smith, Former Steelers Tight End

What’s next

If Washington can build on his 2025 season and reach 50 receptions and 500 receiving yards while maintaining his elite blocking, he will cement himself as an indispensable part of the Steelers' offense beyond 2026.

The takeaway

The Steelers are betting big on Darnell Washington's rare physical tools, banking on the massive tight end to develop into a dominant two-way player who can create mismatches in the passing game and excel as a run blocker.