The Pittsburgh Steelers' tight end room is gaining recognition as one of the best in the NFL, ranking fifth overall, following the recent extension of Darnell Washington. With two of the highest-paid tight ends, Washington and Pat Freiermuth, the team capitalizes on a trend of utilizing multiple tight ends to create mismatches. Their performance last season indicated their capability, as both players ranked in the top 20 in PFN TE Impact Scoring. The addition of veteran Robert Tonyan and competition from rookies Lake McRee and Jaheim Bell create uncertainty for the third tight end spot, yet the unit is expected to thrive under new offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio. A focus on maximizing their talents could lead to a breakout season for Freiermuth and further establish Washington's role in the passing game.

By the Numbers
  • 21 tight ends were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, the highest on record.
  • The Steelers had the second-highest 13 personnel rate in the NFL in 2025.
  • Freiermuth and Washington both ranked in the top 20 in PFN TE Impact Scoring last season.
State of Play
  • The Steelers have two of the top twelve highest-paid tight ends in the league.
  • Veteran Robert Tonyan joins the competition for the third tight end spot.
  • New offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio aims to maximize the tight end potential.
What's Next

The Steelers' tight end room is poised for growth, with potential breakout seasons for Freiermuth and Washington under a new offense-driven coaching staff. Increased utilization of their skills could reinforce their top-five rank and create a dynamic passing attack for the upcoming season.

Bottom Line

Pittsburgh's investment in their tight end room signals strong confidence in their ability to impact the offense significantly. Success this season hinges on effective utilization by the coaching staff and performance consistency from their key players.