The Pittsburgh Steelers locked up one of their standout young talents Thursday, agreeing to terms with tight end Darnell Washington on a four-year, $42 million extension that includes $21 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports.
The monster deal, which ties the 24-year-old through 2030, comes one day after the team extended fellow 2023 draftee linebacker Nick Herbig and rewards Washington’s emergence as a unique physical presence in the offense.
Selected in the third round (No. 93 overall) out of Georgia in 2023, Washington has developed into a versatile tight end whose combination of great size, strength and improving receiving skills makes him a difficult matchup for defenses. At 6-foot-7 and around 265-300 pounds – depending on the listing – he brings an imposing frame rarely seen at the position.
“Love Darnell,” new head coach Mike McCarthy said earlier this week. “He’s been here every day, in the classroom, a good student – he’s a pro’s pro. I’ve been very impressed with him.”
Some fans were disappointed that the Steelers made the contract deal, stating on social media that McCarthy has traditionally used just one TE in his offensive packages. Others complained that the team was hell-bent on spending money all the way to the salary cap or outright extending offers to the wrong players.
In the case of Washington, they’re wrong; he’s exactly the type of player to earn this kind of deal.
Washington’s production has steadily climbed. After posting modest numbers as a rookie (7 receptions for 61 yards in 17 games), he improved to 19 catches for 200 yards and a touchdown in 2024. In 2025, he delivered career highs with 31 receptions for 364 yards and another score on 43 targets, averaging 11.7 yards per catch.
His yards after catch (7.4 per reception) and ability to create first downs (16 in 2025) highlight his value once the ball is in his hands. Pro Football Focus noted his overall grade of 71.0 in 2025, ranking 15th among qualifying tight ends, with continued strength as a blocker.
Washington’s blocking remains a major cornerstone of his game. Built like an offensive lineman, he excels in the run game, consistently moving defenders and creating lanes. He is a formidable battering ram with or without the ball in his hands.
Washington has tenacity and toughness as well as athleticism for a player of his size. He can hurdle opposing defenders and runs angry after the catch. That grit has always been valued in Pittsburgh.
“I know my role,” Washington said. “I’m not going to sit here and act like I’m a pass-catching tight end, but I’m more than a blocker. It’s just my God-given ability.”
Teammates echo that sentiment. Herbig called him “a freak of nature” and “like a monster.” General manager Omar Khan has been effusive, saying he’d take “20 Darnell Washingtons” if possible.
The extension provides stability to an offense featuring quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who connected with Washington for career-high production in 2025. It also complements Pat Freiermuth, forming a formidable tight end tandem. Washington started 13 games last season and played over 50% of offensive snaps in nine contests, during which the Steelers posted a strong record.
Washington’s journey reflects the Steelers’ draft-and-develop philosophy. His rare athleticism, soft hands, contested-catch ability and power in the open field allows creative usage in McCarthy’s scheme, which may actually lean more on tight ends in 2026.
Financially, the deal averages about $10.5 million annually, positioning Washington among top blocking tight ends while accounting for his receiving growth. It keeps a key piece of the 2023 class (Omar Khan’s first draft) in Pittsburgh long-term.
As training camp approaches, Washington’s focus remains straightforward. “To be honest, I really just try to take care of what I can, control the controllables,” he said. “I just let God handle the rest.”
For the Steelers, retaining Washington ensures continued physicality on offense and a building block for contention. His blend of traditional tight end traits with modern versatility positions him to play a larger role in Pittsburgh’s plans for years ahead.
At the peak of his game 📈 @_Dwfootball11
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— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) June 4, 2026