{"id":734351,"date":"2026-06-30T06:48:15","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T06:48:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/734351\/"},"modified":"2026-06-30T06:48:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T06:48:15","slug":"darnell-washington-looks-slim-and-trim-under-steelers-new-weight-rule-kaboly-says","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/734351\/","title":{"rendered":"Darnell Washington Looks ‘Slim And Trim’ Under Steelers’ New Weight Rule, Kaboly Says"},"content":{"rendered":"

Darnell Washington\u2019s massive frame once fueled speculation that his future might be at offensive tackle. While he still tips the scales at around 300 pounds, Pittsburgh\u2019s new weight-management program<\/a> has him looking much more like the tight end the Steelers just rewarded with a four-year, $42 million extension.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you seen Darnell Washington lately?\u201d Mark Kaboly said via 93.7 The Fan\u2019s Morning Show<\/a>. \u201cSeen 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Weighing in at 264 pounds during the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, Washington\u2019s rapidly increasing weight was a growing concern given his reported knee issues coming out of Georgia.<\/p>\n

Just look at the side-by-side comparison between his rookie offseason and 2025. It doesn\u2019t even look like the same human being.<\/p>\n

264-lb Darnell Washington vs. 311-lb Darnell Washington.<\/p>\n

Hard to imagine there was a 330-lb offseason Darnell at one point too.<\/p>\n

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

\u2014 Ross McCorkle (@Ross_McCorkle) June 29, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Washington isn\u2019t back to his 2023 playing weight, nor should the Steelers want him to be. But under Pittsburgh\u2019s new weight goals, he\u2019s clearly moving in the right direction, looking noticeably leaner with nearly a month remaining before training camp.<\/p>\n

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\u2019t, he will be subject to small fines<\/a> up to twice per week from the team.<\/p>\n

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?<\/p>\n

There are plenty of mouths to feed in the Steelers\u2019 passing game this year, but at a lighter weight, Washington might be the hungriest of them all.<\/p>\n