The Dallas Cowboys are poised to make a splash in the NFC East with a potential trade for Pittsburgh Steelers’ tight end Darnell Washington, a 23-year-old athletic marvel who could transform their offensive outlook. Selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Washington has shown flashes of brilliance as a backup to Pat Freiermuth in Pittsburgh. However, with the Steelers’ recent acquisition of Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins, Washington’s path to a prominent role in Pittsburgh has dimmed, making him a prime trade candidate.
Anthony Palacios of Last Word on Sports suggests that the Cowboys could be an ideal landing spot for the young tight end. With Jake Ferguson experiencing a down year and set to hit free agency next season, Dallas is in dire need of a dynamic presence at the tight end position. Washington, still on his rookie contract with a modest $5 million cap hit, represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for the Cowboys to bolster their roster.
Palacios notes, “Washington remains on his rookie deal, and Dallas is willing to pay for that, so they could slot him in alongside Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker.” While Washington may not immediately dominate snaps in 2025, his youth and athleticism make him a perfect fit for Brian Schottenheimer’s offensive scheme. At 6’7” and 265 pounds, the Georgia product is a matchup nightmare, combining size, speed, and raw potential that could make him a cornerstone of Dallas’ passing game.
The Cowboys’ current tight end group lacks the depth and explosiveness needed to keep defenses guessing. Ferguson’s regression has exposed vulnerabilities, and Schoonmaker has yet to fully establish himself. Adding Washington could create a formidable trio, with the potential to develop into the team’s long-term starter if Ferguson departs. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches would give Dak Prescott a new weapon, forcing NFC East rivals like the Eagles and Giants to rethink their defensive strategies.
The cost to acquire Washington is expected to be minimal, likely a mid-to-late-round draft pick, given Pittsburgh’s crowded tight end room. For a player with Washington’s upside, this trade could be a steal for Dallas. As Palacios puts it, “Washington could become the Cowboys’ tight end of the future,” offering a blend of physicality and playmaking ability that’s hard to find.
With the NFC East as competitive as ever, landing a “young beast” like Washington could be the spark Dallas needs to elevate their offense. Paired with Prescott’s precision passing, this explosive addition could leave opposing defenses scrambling. The Cowboys should act swiftly to secure Washington and unleash his potential in Big D.