The Dallas Cowboys are no strangers to bold moves, and the recent blockbuster trade between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins for CB Jalen Ramsey and TE Jonnu Smith has opened a tantalizing opportunity for Dallas to strike again. With the Cowboys already exploring a potential deal to send TE Luke Schoonmaker to Miami for draft capital, it’s time to turn their attention to a player they’ve coveted for years: Steelers’ tight end Darnell Washington. This towering, physical specimen could be the missing piece to supercharge Dallas’ offense, and the stars are aligning for a trade that could reshape their roster.
A Long-Time Cowboys Crush
The Cowboys’ fascination with Darnell Washington isn’t new. During the 2023 NFL Draft process, Dallas brought the Georgia standout in for one of their coveted Top 30 pre-draft visits, signaling serious interest. Despite concerns about a knee injury that caused Washington to slide to the third round, the Cowboys saw his potential as a game-changer. Now, two years later, Washington has proven his durability, never missing a game in the NFL, and his unique skill set makes him an ideal fit for Dallas’ evolving offensive scheme.
A Blocking Behemoth with Untapped Potential
While Washington’s receiving stats—61 yards in 2023 and 200 yards in 2024—may not turn heads, his value lies in his elite blocking ability. At 6’7” and nearly 300 pounds, Washington is a force in the run game, routinely stonewalling defensive ends in Pittsburgh’s 12 and 13 personnel packages. His physicality and sub-4.7 speed make him a nightmare for defenders, offering the Cowboys a rare combination of power and athleticism.
It’s time for the Cowboys to make a call. pic.twitter.com/biNH2EMpp7
— Mauricio Rodríguez (@MauNFL) June 30, 2025
Dallas’ offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, who cut his teeth with the Arizona Cardinals’ tight end-heavy schemes, would likely salivate at the thought of deploying Washington. Concepts like the counter, which relies on pulling blockers to open lanes, are tailor-made for a player of Washington’s size and strength. Compared to Schoonmaker, Washington’s superior run-blocking prowess could elevate Dallas’ ground game to new heights, perfectly complementing head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s vision for a punishing, physical offense.
Why Pittsburgh Might Let Him Go
The Steelers’ acquisition of Jonnu Smith, paired with their established TE1 Pat Freiermuth, pushes Washington to TE3 on the depth chart. With no role on special teams and limited opportunities in Pittsburgh’s passing game, Washington is likely expendable. The Steelers, who invested third-round capital in him in 2023, haven’t fully unlocked his potential, but that’s more a reflection of their scheme than his ability. For Dallas, this presents a golden opportunity to acquire a high-upside player at a bargain price.
I reached out to A to Z Sports’ Steelers expert Rob Gregson for insight on what Dallas would gain by landing Washington. “He’s been primarily a run-game weapon in Pittsburgh’s 12 and 13 personnel sets,” Gregson noted. “But when he’s had chances with the ball, he’s shown flashes. His targets doubled in 2024, and he turned that into 200 receiving yards. He’s not a polished route runner, but at his size with that speed, he’s a matchup nightmare waiting to happen.”
A Sixth Offensive Lineman with Pass-Catching Upside
For a Cowboys team that already swung a deal for a Steelers playmaker, adding Washington makes perfect sense. He’s essentially a sixth offensive lineman who can line up in multiple positions, collapse defensive fronts, and still offer untapped potential as a pass-catcher. With Schoonmaker potentially on his way out, Washington could step in as a more physical, dynamic option, giving Dallas the flexibility to dominate in the trenches while keeping defenses guessing.
Time to Make the Call
The Cowboys should waste no time picking up the phone and dialing Pittsburgh. Washington’s availability, combined with Dallas’ long-standing admiration, makes this a no-brainer. A trade for the 6’7” enforcer could be the final piece to solidify the Cowboys’ identity as a physical, run-first juggernaut. If Dallas wants to make a statement in 2025, landing Darnell Washington is the kind of bold, calculated move that could send shockwaves through the NFL.