Darnell Washington’s massive frame once fueled speculation that his future might be at offensive tackle. While he still tips the scales at around 300 pounds, Pittsburgh’s new weight-management program has him looking much more like the tight end the Steelers just rewarded with a four-year, $42 million extension.

“Have you seen Darnell Washington lately?” Mark Kaboly said via 93.7 The Fan’s Morning Show. “Seen some pictures of him heading down to the old South Hills Village looking slim and trim. I think they have some strict weight things they have to hit. I think they want him a couple bucks below 300 maybe.”

Washington revealed last season that he was playing at 311 pounds. A staggering number on its own for a tight end, he also shared that he has been as heavy as 330 pounds during the offseason.

Weighing in at 264 pounds during the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, Washington’s rapidly increasing weight was a growing concern given his reported knee issues coming out of Georgia.

Just look at the side-by-side comparison between his rookie offseason and 2025. It doesn’t even look like the same human being.

264-lb Darnell Washington vs. 311-lb Darnell Washington.

Hard to imagine there was a 330-lb offseason Darnell at one point too.

Mike McCarthy’s staff has implemented strict new weight goals. Kaboly suggests that has paid off with a “slim and trim” new look.#Steelers pic.twitter.com/a0sV5TF1fi

— Ross McCorkle (@Ross_McCorkle) June 29, 2026

Washington isn’t back to his 2023 playing weight, nor should the Steelers want him to be. But under Pittsburgh’s new weight goals, he’s clearly moving in the right direction, looking noticeably leaner with nearly a month remaining before training camp.

His target weight is between 285 and 290 pounds. The goal weight from the team is unknown. Getting under 300 would be a nice start. If he doesn’t, he will be subject to small fines up to twice per week from the team.

If 311-pound Washington broke out with a career-high 31 receptions for 364 yards last season, what might he be able to accomplish at 295 pounds with another year of experience and continuity with Aaron Rodgers?

There are plenty of mouths to feed in the Steelers’ passing game this year, but at a lighter weight, Washington might be the hungriest of them all.