The Pittsburgh Steelers and tight end Darnell Washington have reached an agreement on a four year $42 million contract, of which $21 million is guaranteed, Yankee Scores reports…..
The Numbers Make Sense
Washington’s new contract places him among the highest paid tight ends in the NFL. For comparison, The Los Angeles Chargers recently signed blocking tight end Charlie Kolar for just $8.1m annually. Washington’s price tag reflects a player that the Steelers see as one for the present and the future.
His Breakout Season Did The Talking
The 6 foot 7 Georgia product played in 14 games last season, grabbing 31 passes for 364 yards and a touchdown, including career highs in almost every offensive category.
When he’s in possession of the ball, he is a matchup nightmare. 6’7 300 pounds with the speed to line up as a receiver and the size to run the ball at the line of a scrimmage. He’s one of the few players in the league with his skill set.
What the Coach Is Saying
New head coach Mike McCarthy didn’t hide his admiration. Earlier this week, McCarthy said, “Love Darnell. He’s been here every day, classroom, good student. He’s a pro’s pro. I’ve been very, very impressed with him.”
The accolade from a first year head coach shows how Washington will fit into Pittsburgh’s plans for 2026.
Who’s Next?
The extension comes just one day after Pittsburgh signed linebacker Nick Herbig to a four year contract. Washington and Herbig are both part of the 2023 draft class in Pittsburgh, and were coming off their rookie contract
We have signed LB Nick Herbig to a new five-year contract. @BordasLaw
📝: https://t.co/LsahVTrcV1 pic.twitter.com/WxTz7WiIIu
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) June 3, 2026
Left tackle Broderick Jones is a bigger question after the team passed on his fifth year option, and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. may be next in line
