Where The Story Turns
Darnell Washington turned his breakout 2025 season into a profitable new deal. The Pittsburgh Steelers agreed with their 6-foot-7 tight end on a four-year, $42 million extension that includes $21 million guaranteed, per ESPN reports.
A 2023 third-round pick, Washington was playing on the final year of his rookie contract. Though primarily known as a blocker, the former Georgia Bulldog began showcasing his receiving skills last season before a Week 17 injury in Pittsburgh's loss to the Browns. He posted career highs with 31 receptions for 364 yards while quickly developing chemistry with Aaron Rodgers.
"I'm just so proud of him," Rodgers said during the 2025 season. "Just his approach. Really, the growth I've seen since training camp is that he's continued to get his body in shape, get his mind in shape. He's a guy you don't worry about the details at all. He's very detailed-oriented, super smart player.
The Stakes In Plain Sight
The big tight end revealed during the 2025 season that he played at 311 pounds—his listed weight sits at 264. That size made one of the most memorable plays of the year in Pittsburgh's Week 11 win over the Bengals, when he flattened several defenders on a key sequence.
Washington's performance essentially ended any discussion of moving him to offensive tackle. He's firmly in the right position given his combination of size and hands.
He's the second member of Pittsburgh's 2023 draft class to land a significant extension in as many days. Outside linebacker Nick Herbig signed a four-year, $100 million deal that included $42 million guaranteed. Both players were selected by general manager Omar Khan during his first draft in that role.
The Question Left Open
The contracts suggest a philosophical shift for the Steelers—their willingness to lock up young talent early could pay dividends down the road, even if the price tags initially seem steep. Khan's decisionssignal the direction Pittsburgh wants to take as veteran contracts near their expiration points.
Alex Highsmith, currently starter ahead of Herbig, has two years remaining on his extension. T.J. Watt—who earned Defensive Player of the Year honors—has three years left on his recent deal. Whether those veterans remain beyond their current timelines may depend on how players like Jack Sawyer develop in his second season.
The move reflects Pittsburgh's belief that Washington will only improve as both a blocker and receiver. By securing him now, the Steelers maintain a foundation for their running game while taking pressure off future quarterbacks.