Darnell Washington confirmed this offseason that the new Pittsburgh Steelers coaching staff has strict weight goals for him, backed by the threat of team fines. It appears he has blown past those goals with a striking new physique at training camp.
Look at Washington’s transformed body from the Steelers’ Instagram story.
He announced on a podcast that he was 311 pounds in the middle of last season, which was down from what he admitted was as high as 330 at times during previous offseasons.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of him at 264 pounds in 2023 and 311 pounds in 2025.
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
Camera angles play a role, so it’s hard to say for sure, but he sure looks a lot closer to the rookie version of himself than the borderline offensive tackle he looked like last year.
Some will worry this sacrifices his greatest attributes: size and blocking ability. Make no mistake, he is still way bigger than virtually every other tight end in the league.
Here’s another angle of him in action during a blocking drill via Mark Kaboly on X.
If shedding 25-30 pounds adds an extra step or two to his speed and playmaking ability, it’s a worthwhile tradeoff. It’s certainly more fitting of McCarthy’s West Coast offensive system whereas his previous build was perfect for Arthur Smith’s jumbo alignments.
In an offseason podcast appearance, Washington stated his “ideal” play weight is in the 290 to 295-pound range. That photo shared by the team sure makes it look like he’s dropped down to his ideal range.
After getting life-changing, generational money on a new four-year, $42 million contract extension this offseason, Washington has his body more dialed in than ever to experience a breakout season.
Aaron Rodgers already built up great chemistry with Washington last season, resulting in 31 receptions for 364 yards and a touchdown. If his new athletic build results in another breakout season, the sky is the limit for the hulking tight end.