Aaron Rodgers appears to have found a surprising weapon that could elevate the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense to extraordinary levels. According to multiple reports, a player who had been under the radar has left a strong impression on the quarterback.
Darnell Washington, the 23-year-old tight end who was selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 2023 Draft, has emerged as one of the breakout players for the veteran quarterback following mandatory minicamp.
Rodgers has even gone so far as to compare Washington to one of his great former teammates with the Green Bay Packers, Marcedes Lewis. High expectations surround the former Georgia Bulldogs standout.
Aaron Rodgers keeps praising Darnell Washington
Although Pat Freiermuth is the starting tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the reality is that his numbers haven’t been spectacular, and he has yet to establish himself as a star player at that position in the NFL. Since Heath Miller, there hasn’t been a tight end with a true impact on the team.
The surprising part is that despite his height and physical attributes, Darnell Washington has barely been targeted in two seasons with the Steelers. Rodgers could be the key to changing that.
Rodgers has already hinted that he could be a great option in Arthur Smith’s offensive scheme. DK Metcalf is a star, but without a true No. 2 wide receiver, Darnell Washington could be a name to watch.
“I haven’t had a tight end like him since Marcedes and Marcedes is an all-time great. Darnell is like a young Marcedes, able to do things in the passing game and dominate the line of scrimmage.”