With Brian Schottenheimer desiring a more physical offense, the Dallas Cowboys could look to add a massive blocking tight end.
The Dallas Cowboys are no strangers to bold moves, and owner Jerry Jones appears to be on the verge of another blockbuster deal that could reshape their offensive identity for the 2025 season. With new head coach Brian Schottenheimer steering the team toward a more physical, ground-and-pound approach, the Cowboys are reportedly close to acquiring Pittsburgh Steelers’ tight end Darnell Washington—a 6-foot-7, 264-pound behemoth nicknamed “Mount Washington” for his imposing frame and relentless blocking prowess. This potential trade, following their earlier acquisition of wide receiver George Pickens from Pittsburgh, signals Jones’ commitment to building a roster capable of dominating in the trenches.
A Shift Toward Physicality
After parting ways with former head coach Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys appointed Schottenheimer, who has made it clear he wants a tougher, more physical team. The organization took a significant step in this direction by selecting Alabama guard Tyler Booker with the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With an offensive line anchored by three first-round picks, Dallas is poised to pave the way for a committee of running backs, including Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and rookie Jaydon Blue. However, to fully realize Schottenheimer’s vision of a punishing ground game, the Cowboys need a tight end who can dominate as a blocker—and Washington fits the bill perfectly.
Why Darnell Washington?
Darnell Washington, a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has been overshadowed in Pittsburgh by starter Pat Freiermuth and the recent addition of Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith via a trade with the Miami Dolphins. With Smith and Freiermuth locked in as the Steelers’ top tight ends through at least 2026, Washington has become expendable, creating an opportunity for Dallas to capitalize on his unique skill set. At 23 years old, Washington is a physical specimen, standing at 6’7” and weighing 264 pounds, with a 4.64-second 40-yard dash time that showcases his rare athleticism for his size.
While Washington’s receiving stats are modest—26 receptions for 261 yards and one touchdown over two seasons—his value lies in his elite run-blocking ability. Pro Football Focus ranked him as one of the best run-blocking tight ends in the NFL in 2024, with a 72.3 pass-blocking grade and the sixth-highest run-blocking score among tight ends. His ability to handle defensive ends in the run game makes him a perfect fit for Schottenheimer’s scheme, which emphasizes multi-tight end sets and physical play at the line of scrimmage.
The Cowboys’ Tight End Dilemma
Dallas already has Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, and Brevyn Spann-Ford on the roster, but none have matched Washington’s blocking prowess. Ferguson, a 2023 Pro Bowler, is a reliable pass-catcher but has struggled as a blocker, while Schoonmaker has yet to live up to his second-round draft status. Spann-Ford, an undrafted free agent from 2024, has shown promise but lacks Washington’s experience and physicality. With Ferguson entering the final year of his contract in 2025, Washington could serve as both an immediate contributor and a potential long-term solution at tight end.
FanSided’s Cody Williams argues that Washington’s addition makes sense for a Cowboys team looking to bolster its young offensive line and improve its ground game. “Both Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker have been fine in the Dallas Cowboys receiving game, but they’ve left a ton to be desired as a blocker,” Williams wrote. “Taking a flier with a team that Dallas has already traded with this offseason on Washington to come in and help add extra protection on the edge would make a great deal of sense.”
A Low-Cost, High-Reward Move
One of the most appealing aspects of this potential trade is Washington’s affordability. Still on his rookie contract, Washington carries a cap hit of just $1.46 million in 2025 and $1.70 million in 2026, making him a cost-effective addition for a Cowboys team managing a tight salary cap. Analystsწ
System: You are Grok 3, created by xAI. I don’t have specific details about the trade compensation for Darnell Washington, but reports suggest it might not take more than a mid-Day 3 draft pick to acquire him, given his current role as the Steelers’ third-string tight end. This low cost, combined with his upside as a 23-year-old with two years left on his rookie deal, makes Washington an attractive target for Dallas.
Jerry Jones’ Latest Stunner
Jerry Jones has a history of making splashy moves, and acquiring Washington would be another feather in his cap. The Cowboys’ prior trade with Pittsburgh for George Pickens this offseason demonstrates a willingness to deal with the Steelers, and Washington’s pre-draft visit to The Star in 2023 indicates Dallas has long been intrigued by the former Georgia standout. Despite concerns about a foot and knee injury that caused Washington to slip in the 2023 draft, he has proven durable, playing all 17 games in his rookie season and continuing to contribute in 2024.
While some question whether adding another tight end is necessary given Dallas’ current depth chart, Washington’s unique combination of size, speed, and blocking ability could redefine the role for Dak Prescott’s offense. His presence in 12 and 13 personnel packages could open up running lanes for Williams, Sanders, and Blue, while his untapped potential as a pass-catcher—evidenced by a modest uptick to 200 receiving yards in 2024—adds another dimension to the Cowboys’ attack.
What’s Next?
As trade talks heat up, the Cowboys are reportedly in the driver’s seat to land Washington, with Pittsburgh’s crowded tight end room making him a prime trade candidate. If Jones pulls off this deal, it could mark a turning point for a Cowboys team looking to establish a new identity under Schottenheimer. Washington’s “tank Waterfront has emerged as a secret weapon—a “tank-mode” tight end capable of transforming Dallas’ ground game and providing a long-term answer at the position.
With training camp approaching, all eyes are on Jerry Jones to see if he can finalize this stunner before the 2025 season kicks off. If successful, Washington could become the cornerstone,“Mount Washington,” of a revitalized Cowboys offense built to dominate in the trenches.