NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah, a former scout for three NFL teams, recently proposed that Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington consider switching positions. Jeremiah discussed this idea during an episode of the 40s and Free Agents podcast, co-hosted with Gregg Rosenthal, highlighting Washington’s suitability for offensive tackle. Jeremiah remarked,
I think he’s the best tackle on their team. And I really like Fautanu, their right tackle, and we’ll see what Broderick Jones can be,
emphasizing Washington’s potential based on his physical frame.
But just in terms of talent, he’s got the frame to do it. If you want to earmark this for three years down the road and we’re talking about Jason Peters 2.0, it’s this dude.
Jason Peters: A Precedent for Transition Success
Jason Peters serves as a precedent for such a move, having transitioned from a large tight end in college to becoming a highly decorated offensive tackle in the NFL. Originally a University of Arkansas tight end, Peters went undrafted in 2004 but gradually shifted to left tackle during his rookie season with the Buffalo Bills. His career culminated in six All-Pro selections and a spot on the 2010s All-Decade Team as one of the premier offensive tackles in the league.
Further Endorsement of Washington’s Potential as an Offensive Tackle
Jeremiah reiterated his belief in Washington’s capabilities during a recent interview on the Pat McAfee Show, stating confidently,
He’s got a chance to be a Pro Bowl tackle,
and added,
There’s just not many guys that are that big that can move like that. And if I was his agent, I would be like, ‘Here’s what the 15th best tight end in the NFL makes. Now here’s what a top 10 offensive tackle makes in this league.’ Make the switch. Your finances will thank you.
Doug Whaley, a former Buffalo Bills general manager and ex-Steelers front office executive, shared similar views during Washington’s rookie season in 2023. Whaley suggested that Washington’s agent should appeal to Steelers general manager Omar Khan about converting Washington to offensive tackle due to the substantial financial upside such a move would bring.
Darnell Washington’s Openness to a Position Change
Washington has expressed a willingness to consider a position switch if asked, though his current focus remains on tight end duties. When questioned during training camp, he said,
Personally, I feel like I can, but right now, I’m a tight end,
and added,
So, I’m gonna focus on that. Later on down the road or any time in the road, if they ask for me to do that, I’m gonna do it to my best ability.
Physical Attributes and Size Considerations
Washington is officially listed at 6-foot-7 and 264 pounds; however, this weight appears to be underestimated. Steelers tight end coach Alfredo Roberts revealed in 2023 that Washington weighed over 300 pounds. Furthermore, Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback in 2024, Russell Wilson, estimated Washington’s weight at 315 pounds late last season. Pat Freiermuth, a fellow Steelers tight end listed at 6-foot-5 and 258 pounds, also acknowledged Washington’s large size, describing him as massive without specifying an exact weight.
Impact of Jonnu Smith’s Arrival on Washington’s Role
Washington’s involvement in the Steelers’ passing game could decline from last season’s levels, where he achieved career highs with 19 receptions, 200 receiving yards, and one touchdown across 17 games. This development aligns with the team’s acquisition of Jonnu Smith, who is expected to fill a significant part of the receiving role. Despite this, Washington remains integral to the Steelers’ running game, with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith naming him the best blocking tight end in the NFL by the end of the 2023 season.
Financial Implications of Remaining a Blocking Tight End
Washington’s earnings as primarily a blocking tight end likely remain modest. Josh Oliver, the NFL’s highest-paid blocking tight end, signed a three-year extension with the Minnesota Vikings in June worth $23.25 million, averaging $7.75 million annually and potentially reaching $27.5 million with incentives. His deal includes $19.745 million guaranteed, with $15.645 million fully guaranteed at signing.
Comparative Earnings of Offensive Tackles Highlight Potential Pay Increase
In contrast, offensive tackles earn significantly higher salaries. Jaylon Moore, who served as a swing tackle for the San Francisco 49ers during his rookie contract, signed a two-year, $30 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs in March, averaging $15 million per year. The Chiefs expect Moore to potentially serve as a backup or shift to offensive guard due to their 2025 first-round pick Josh Simmons projected as the long-term left tackle.
Even elite tight ends with strong receiving skills face a notable pay gap compared to offensive tackles. George Kittle, the highest-paid tight end in the NFL, recently agreed to a four-year, $76.4 million pact with the San Francisco 49ers, averaging $19.1 million per year and securing $35 million guaranteed. However, there are 20 offensive tackles with contracts averaging more per year than Kittle’s salary.
Top Contracts for Offensive Tackles and Tight Ends
Rashawn Slater, the Los Angeles Chargers’ left tackle, leads offensive linemen with a four-year contract valued at $114 million, averaging $28.5 million annually. His deal, signed in late July 2024, carries $92 million in guarantees, with $56 million fully guaranteed at signing. Nineteen of the top 20 offensive tackles have contracts averaging at least $20 million per year. By comparison, only four tight ends—George Kittle, Cardinals’ Trey McBride, Chiefs’ Travis Kelce, and Vikings’ T.J. Hockenson—earn salaries at or above Jaylon Moore’s $15 million annual mark.
Regarding the salary comparison that Jeremiah highlighted, Dallas Goedert ranks as the NFL’s 15th highest-paid tight end with earnings of $10 million annually. Goedert took a pay cut in May 2024 from a four-year, $57 million contract extension averaging $14.25 million per year, which he signed in 2021 with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles also have Lane Johnson among the league’s top-paid offensive tackles, earning $22,166,667 per year.
Historical Example of a Similar Position Switch in Pittsburgh
The Steelers have a history of tight ends transitioning to offensive tackle with success. Larry Brown, who was Pittsburgh’s starting tight end during the team’s first two Super Bowl victories in the 1970s, ended his tight end career after six NFL seasons. He moved to right tackle and started for the Steelers as they secured two additional Super Bowls later in the decade. Brown earned Pro Bowl honors as an offensive tackle in 1982 and is recognized in the Steelers Hall of Honor.
Implications and Potential Future Impact for Washington and the Steelers
Darnell Washington’s possible transition from tight end to offensive tackle carries significant implications for both his career and the Steelers’ roster strategy. Such a change could enhance his value on the field and improve his earning potential, reflecting the higher salaries typical for offensive tackles relative to tight ends. With Washington’s size and athleticism, along with endorsements from respected NFL analysts and executives, this switch could not only benefit the player’s long-term success but also provide the Steelers with a versatile and formidable presence on their offensive line. The coming seasons will reveal whether Pittsburgh pursues this strategic shift and how Washington adapts to expanded responsibilities in a new position.