The Pittsburgh Steelers tight end room has quietly become one of the more intriguing position groups on the roster heading into 2026 — and at least one national analyst believes it deserves much more attention.
In a recent ranking of the NFL’s top tight end units, Bucky Brooks placed the Steelers fifth overall
, citing the physicality and versatility of Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington as a major reason why.“The Steelers inclusion on this list might surprise some observers, but Pat Freiermuth
and Darnell Washington are two gritty tight ends who excel at knocking defenders off the ball on running plays,” Brooks wrote.
“With a pair of effective edge blockers in the lineup, the Steelers can create big play opportunities on the ground on various off-tackle plays and sweeps.”
That praise comes after what many viewed as an inconsistent season from the room in 2025. Former Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith never fully found his rhythm in the offense, while Freiermuth at times disappeared from the passing attack despite being one of the team’s more reliable targets. Washington’s season was also cut short after suffering a broken arm late in the year.
Now, with Smith gone and fullback/tight end hybrid Connor Heyward departing in free agency for the Las Vegas Raiders, the Steelers are leaning heavily on youth and development behind their top two options.
Freiermuth remains the clear receiving threat of the group and should benefit from a more stable offensive structure under head coach Mike McCarthy. Washington, meanwhile, continues to develop into one of the league’s more imposing blocking tight ends and could see an expanded role near the goal line.
Behind them, rookie fifth-round pick Riley Nowakowski is expected to compete for the versatile role previously occupied by Heyward. Former New England Patriots draft pick Jaheim Bell will battle for a roster spot as a move tight end and special teams contributor, while JJ Galbreath remains in the mix after spending time bouncing between the practice squad and active roster.
Whether the Steelers truly possess a top-five tight end room may depend on how much growth Washington shows as a pass catcher and whether Freiermuth can return to being a focal point offensively. But there’s little doubt the group fits the identity Pittsburgh wants offensively — physical, run-oriented, and capable of wearing defenses down over four quarters.
If the Steelers commit to utilizing the position more consistently in 2026, Brooks’ ranking may not look bold for very long.
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