Cowboys Urged to Trade For 23-Year-Old TE With Massive 6’7″ Frame Who Is Suddenly Expendable

As the NFL offseason rolls on, the Dallas Cowboys may have a unique opportunity to address a quietly growing need at tight end. Recent blockbuster moves have shaken up rosters across the league, including a notable trade between the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers.

That deal sent Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami, and Jalen Ramsey, along with Jonnu Smith, to Pittsburgh. With the Steelers now crowded at tight end, the Cowboys could be in position to make a smart roster addition.

Pittsburgh’s tight end group looks especially deep, giving Dallas a chance to capitalize on a potential logjam.

The Cowboys, for their part, are entering 2025 with Jake Ferguson in a contract year and lingering questions about Luke Schoonmaker’s development. This situation sets the stage for a possible move.

Cowboys Target Darnell Washington Amid Steelers’ Tight End Logjam

One name has emerged as a potential trade target: Darnell Washington. In 2023, the Steelers selected Washington, a 6’7”, 264-pound tight end known for his size and athleticism.

At just 23 years old, Washington still has plenty of upside, but he currently sits as the clear No. 3 behind Pat Freiermuth and Smith, who have both cemented their roles in the Steelers’ offense.

For the Cowboys, adding Washington could represent a wise long-term investment. With Ferguson’s future uncertain and Schoonmaker still unproven, Washington’s blend of youth and durability is appealing.

According to Cowboys Report by Chat Sports, Tom Downey weighed in on the idea: “I would be lying to you if I hadn’t also thought about it,” Downey said. “The issue here is the lack of production. It’s not that dissimilar from the complete lack of Luke Schoonmaker… If you trust the consensus of the draft board coming out, a lot of people like Washington more than Schoonmaker.”

Washington’s role could expand significantly in Dallas, especially if the team finds a trade partner for Schoonmaker. He has the tools to develop into a starter and could become a key contributor sooner rather than later.

Washington’s background also adds to his appeal. A former standout at Georgia, he showed promise in college and was once projected as a second-round pick before injury concerns caused him to slip on draft day.

Since joining the NFL, Washington has not missed a game, proving his durability at the professional level. Despite this, Pittsburgh has mostly used him as a blocker, perhaps underutilizing his hands and ability to gain yards after the catch.

Looking ahead, the Steelers’ commitment to Freiermuth and Smith through at least 2026 means Washington may struggle to find consistent playing time in Pittsburgh.

This reality has kept him on Dallas’ radar, especially since he visited the Cowboys’ facility before the 2023 draft. The franchise has a history of revisiting players it liked during the draft process, and Washington fits that profile.

Pairing Washington with young playmakers like George Pickens – who ironically came over from the Steelers – could add another dimension to the Cowboys’ offense. Ferguson’s contract situation only adds to the intrigue, as Washington could compete for a starting job in 2026 and push for immediate reps.

While nothing is set in stone, Washington has become a luxury the Steelers can afford to move, and the Cowboys could benefit from his potential. With Pittsburgh seemingly locked into a two-tight end rotation, a trade for Washington makes sense for a team looking to plan ahead and maintain offensive stability.