A former Pittsburgh Steelers player believes he’s leaving his position in good hands.
The Steelers released Jonnu Smith earlier this month after a quiet season with the team. Smith followed a Pro Bowl campaign with the Miami Dolphins by tallying just 222 yards and two touchdowns in 2025.
Pittsburgh moved on from Smith with Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington at tight end. While Washington hasn’t compiled big numbers in his three NFL seasons, Smith thinks his former teammate has immense upside.
When Jordan Schultz considered Washington’s “larger-than-life personality” during a podcast interview with Smith, the free agent called the 24-year-old a “larger-than-life human being.”
“He really just like a big kid,” Smith said of Washington. “Great football player. He had a hell of a year. Made a lot of great plays.”
The 6-foot-3, 248-pound Smith isn’t small by any means, but he felt diminutive next to the 6-foot-7, 264-pound Washington.
“Darnell’s probably the biggest teammate I’ve ever played with,” Smith said. “I remember in training camp, came out into our personnel. We were in the wing set. He got in his stance and I got in my stance, and I had never looked smaller on the field a day in my life … He made me look like a mouse.”
Smith doesn’t see other NFL players with the same blend of size and athleticism. In addition to those physical traits, Smith said Washington also has the work ethic to flourish.
“Comes in, works hard, listens. Very coachable and can move,” Smith added. “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.”
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