As the 2024 NFL season approaches, one name you should keep an eye out for is Darnell Washington. He enters the season as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ TE2 behind Pat Freiermuth. With Russell Wilson at QB, Washington could enable the Steelers to be a two-headed monster at TE under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from Darnell Washington this year.
Darnell Washington 2024 Fantasy Outlook
Washington’s Role in the Steelers’ Offense
Darnell Washington, now in his second NFL season, is set to play a significant role as the TE2 for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Washington is known for his imposing size, athleticism, and blocking ability. In addition, Washington has the potential to be a solid contributor for both the passing game and rushing attack.
Standing at 6’7” and weighing 270 pounds, Washington brings a unique combination of size and skill to the Steelers’ offense. While he will be playing behind Pat Freiermuth, Washington’s size and athleticism make him a valuable red-zone target.
With Russell Wilson leading the offense, a QB who loves throwing to TEs, Washington could benefit from Wilson’s ability to distribute the ball effectively. Although Washington may not see as many targets as Freiermuth, he can still add a lot of value. By having such a different skill set than Friermuth, Washington can be used in short-yardage and red-zone situations.
Darnell Washington’s Fantasy Value
Darnell Washington’s fantasy value in 2024 is more of a speculative nature but carries potential upside. As the TE2 for the Steelers, he may not have a guaranteed high volume of targets but could emerge as a valuable contributor in specific situations.
His size and potential role in the red zone, combined with Russell Wilson’s tendency for throwing to TEs make him a player worth monitoring. If Washington can establish a connection with Wilson and take advantage of his opportunities, he could offer surprising value.
Washington´s 2022 and 2023 Production
Darnell Washington’s rookie season showed glimpses of his potential. At the University of Georgia, Washington was known for his strong blocking skills and ability to make impactful catches. During his college career, he caught 28 passes for 454 yards and 2 touchdowns in his final season, demonstrating his effectiveness as a reliable target.
In 2023, Washington’s rookie NFL season was a developmental year, where he contributed primarily as a blocker and saw limited targets. His involvement in the offense was moderate, reflecting his role as a backup tight end. According to ProFootballReference, he only caught 7 passes for 61 yards.
You can expect this year to potentially be completely different from last year. Wilson´s arrival at QB and a new OC following Canada´s departure bring fresh possibilities.
Final Thoughts
Darnell Washington is a tight end with notable potential for the 2024 NFL season. His combination of size, blocking ability, and red-zone potential makes him an intriguing fantasy option.
Keep an eye on his performances and how he is used in the early games of the season to gauge his value and make informed decisions for your fantasy roster. You´ll most likely find him as an FA.
If you enjoyed this article, check out our pieces on Justin Fields, Jauan Jennings, and Cade Otton.
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