Grading Steelers' tight ends through first four games of 2025 season

Here are the Pittsburgh Steelers' bye week grades for their tight ends, breaking down each player's performance through four games.

The first four games of the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 season have come and gone — leaving behind an inconsistent offense through the early part of the season.

With Pittsburgh in the middle of the Week 5 bye, we at Steelers Wire analyzed and rated every tight end on the roster, grading their overall performance and impact through the first four games.

Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) catches a pass for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. The Bengals won 19-17 to finish the regular season at 9-8.

Freiermuth has been steady, but underwhelming, with 7 catches for 65 yards on 10 targets — averaging slightly over 16 yards per game. While he hasn’t found the end zone yet, he remains a capable pass catcher for the Aaron Rodgers-led offense that continues to find their identity. Grade: C-

Jonnu Smith

Sep 14, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) runs after a catch as Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) defends during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

While Smith's numbers don't jump off the page in comparison to Freiermuth, he has quickly become one of Pittsburgh’s most trusted options — ranking third on the team with 16 targets, along with 14 receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown — all of which lead the tight end room. Once the Steelers find their offensive footing, Smith's impact and overall production should follow. Grade: B

Darnell Washington

Aug 9, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during a preseason game at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images

One of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL, Washington has seen his playing time increase heavily in recent weeks as the Steelers lean on the run — even over Freiermuth and Smith in Week 4. Still, he hasn't seen as much usage in the receiving game as many hoped, which is beginning to cast doubt on a potential Year 3 breakout. Grade: C

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' bye week grades for Pat Freiermuth and two more tight ends

Category: Football