Minicamp was already charged with anticipation. The arrival of Aaron Rodgers gave every snap extra gravitas, and all eyes turned to the flashier arrivals like DK Metcalf. But the real subplots were unfolding out of view: tight ends were being scrutinized for more than raw size—they were tested on nuanced footwork off the line, hand placement in run-block drills, and the ability to secure the ball from unexpected angles. And by day 3, one tight end had Rodger’s attention. 

In cone-and-sled sessions, he repeatedly uprooted veteran tight ends and even linemen, blending brute strength with surprisingly quick lateral movement. In route-running drills, he tracked passes at awkward body angles—over the shoulder, high, and in traffic—consistently winning contested catches. An assistant offensive coach was spotted working with him long after others cleared out, refining his ability to catch at varying planes—a meticulous focus on ball security rather than flash plays. And when pads came on, his physical traits became undeniable.

In “backs-on‑backers” drills, he stonewalled edge rushers like David Perales and Nick Herbig, flipping switches on their momentum without breaking stride. During goal‑line and short‑yardage drills, he didn’t just move defenders—he obliterated them, sealing off lanes, pancaking safeties, and opening seams like a wrecking crew. And while much of the media chatter circled the usual suspects, one conversation on the Kaboly and Mack show hinted that Rodgers’ favorite target wasn’t who anyone expected.

“He loves Darnell Washington,” Chris Mack observed, cutting straight to the heart of the minicamp’s biggest revelation. “I could tell already that he can’t wait to use Darnell Washington.” This wasn’t casual praise; it was the sound of a maestro identifying his preferred instrument. Aaron Rodgers, the four-time MVP with an almost preternatural sense for offensive mismatches, sees something special brewing with the 6’7″, 264-pound behemoth wearing #80.

Why Washington? Why Now? It’s more than just Washington’s imposing frame, although he’s nicknamed Mount Washington for good reason. Rodgers thrives on intellect and reliability, traits amplified in a tight end who can dominate both the line of scrimmage and the seam. “You add in the fact that Aaron Rodgers has shown an ability to work with tight ends in the past,” Mack noted. “It’s a tight-end driven offense in a lot of different ways.”

Think less ‘human highlight reel’ cliché, and more the cerebral, foundational role Marcedes Lewis played for years with Rodgers in Green Bay – a comparison Rodgers himself made directly to Washington. “When he compares you to, or not even arguably, his favorite tight end target of all time in Marcedes Lewis… that’s saying something,” emphasized Mark Kaboly.

This surge isn’t accidental. After a modest rookie year (7 rec, 61 yds in 2023), Washington took a significant leap in 2024 (19 rec, 25 tgts, 200 yds, 1 TD). He flashed his unique blend of power and athleticism – remember that Week 4 stiff-arm and hurdle against the Indianapolis Colts for 20 yards?

Or his first career TD against the Denver Broncos, capped with a poignant salute to his Marine brother? His 76% catch rate last season screams reliability. Now, with Rodgers’ evident trust, the stage is set for a true breakout. “I hate to jump the gun on June 25, four weeks before training camp starts,” Mack cautioned, “but all signs seem to indicate that Darnell Washington should be making a giant leap forward this year.”

Rodgers’ belief is the ultimate accelerant. “When you have the quarterback in your, you know, hip pocket or excited to throw you the ball, you’re not gonna think twice,” Kaboly pointed out. That confidence translates. Washington isn’t just running routes; he’s running them with the certainty that if he’s open, the ball will find him.

This isn’t about demanding 100 targets; it’s about maximizing impact. “I don’t expect him to put up monster numbers or anything like that,” Kaboly added pragmatically, “but he can definitely come up with some big catches in key situations.” Think crucial third downs. Think red-zone fades where his massive frame and catch radius are indefensible. Think safety valves when the pocket collapses.

Understanding Rodgers’ instant gravitation towards Washington requires looking beyond the stat sheet (34 GP, 26 REC, 261 YDS, 1 TD career). It’s about resilience. Washington’s journey from multiple foster homes as a child to Georgia national champion to NFL hopeful is etched with grit. He embodies the tough, blue-collar ethos Pittsburgh adores, amplified by world-class physical tools now catching the eye of a future Hall-of-Fame quarterback.

Plus, Rodgers, in his self-proclaimed ‘Last Dance’ season ($13.65M deal), isn’t here for rebuilds or long-term projects. He seeks immediate, reliable weapons who understand leverage, timing, and the unspoken language of high-stakes football. In Darnell Washington, he sees a young player possessing Lewis’s intelligence and blocking prowess, combined with untapped receiving potential just waiting for the right quarterback’s touch.

That influence, however, isn’t limited to offense. Rodgers also dropped a pointed message that could signal major movement on the defensive side, specifically regarding the team’s biggest contract storyline.

Rodgers subtly signals impending deal for T.J. Watt

In an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers referred to T.J. Watt as “our Hall of Fame outside rush backer” and followed it up with a quiet reveal: “once we get him signed.” It wasn’t said with fanfare, but the phrasing was intentional—forward-looking, confident, and unusually specific. It wasn’t a player lobbying for a teammate’s value; it was a veteran who’s clearly aware of what’s brewing behind closed doors. At a time when updates on Watt’s extension have been scarce, Rodgers’ words read less like speculation and more like affirmation. That line lands heavier given what’s at stake.

Watt, who’s entering the final year of his current deal, is still underpaid by pass-rusher standards—earning $28 million annually while peers like Myles Garrett and Nick Bosa now command $34 million or more. The Steelers have just under $19 million in cap space, and a deal of this magnitude will require financial creativity. But Rodgers’ comment reframed the conversation. If Watt’s extension was in doubt, Rodgers wouldn’t speak in certainties. And for a team already retooling its identity around veteran leadership, securing its defensive cornerstone may no longer be a matter of if—but when.