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NFL·ANALYSIS·October 1, 2026 04:31 PM ET

Washington leads Steelers' early receiving grades

Freiermuth is next at 65.4 on the five-target list.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 57m1 min read
Post on X
Receiving grade among Steelers WR & TE so far this season (min. 5 targets) Darnell Washington 71.8 Pat Freierm Via @PFF on X

What happened: Washington owns a 71.8 mark among Pittsburgh wideouts and tight ends who have seen at least five targets. Roman Wilson checks in at 57.2, Germie Bernard at 55.7 and Dk Metcalf at 54.5.

Why it matters: Pittsburgh is 3-3 and averaging 18.0 points per game, so any separation in the passing-game hierarchy matters. It is also another early marker for Washington after his four-year, $42M extension as the Steelers sort out where targets are landing.

By the numbers: Washington's 71.8 grade is 6.4 points ahead of Freiermuth and 17.3 points above Metcalf. The Steelers are 3-3 while scoring 18.0 points per game.

What to watch: The next read comes when Pittsburgh returns Thursday night. Another week of target volume will show whether the current order holds or tightens.

Sources

  • @PFF 
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NFLAnalysisPittsburgh SteelersDarnell WashingtonPat Freiermuth
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