Leading up to the start of the 2023 season, the tight end position looked like a major strength for the Pittsburgh Steelers, especially after the selection of Georgia tight end Darnell Washington in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
With the likes of Pat Freiermuth, Washington, and Connor Heyward on the roster, the Steelers had quite a bit of depth and pieces that fit together. Entering Year Two of the Kenny Pickett Era and another season under offensive coordinator Matt Canada, the tight end position was expected to have a huge role in the passing game.