The Pittsburgh Steelers have been busy this week, to say the least. Making a couple of signings Thursday, they also extended Nick Herbig and Darnell Washington, each on four-year deals. But the latter move isn’t one that makes sense to Colin Cowherd.
“Omar Khan signed blocking tight end Darnell Washington to a four-year contract. A blocking tight end?” Cowherd said Thursday on The Herd show. “It’s 2026. A linebacker, who’s a good linebacker, I like him, and a blocking tight end. That’s like spending money on a boat, and a new media room, and you’re struggling to pay rent…In fact, 36-year old Travis Kelce, had 20 more catches last year, than Darnell Washington has had in his career. I’m not trying to be a jerk, but this is what drives me crazy with the Steelers.”
Washington’s four-year extension reportedly comes in at $42 million, a price of just over $10 million per year. Per Jeremy Fowler, $21 million of that is guaranteed. Compared to the rest of the league, Washington’s new deal is relatively high, but not essentially near the top. His annual average value ranks 12th of all tight ends in the league. It comes in just behind his teammate, Pat Freiermuth, who’s the ninth-highest paid tight end in that metric.
Cowherd thinks that’s an overpay for a blocking tight end. But as the salary cap continues to rise, as well as the price of blocking tight ends, it may not end up being too bad. The Steelers also don’t have many salary cap problems since they don’t have to pay a franchise quarterback.
While he hasn’t posted a ton of receiving production throughout his career, Darnell Washington could be much more than just a blocking tight end in the future. He showed flashes as a pass catcher in 2024, then took a big step forward in 2025. Last year, he posted 31 receptions for 364 yards and 11.7 yards per reception, all of which were career-best numbers.
He’s expecting a big role in Mike McCarthy’s offense, and he could very well get it. Without Jonnu Smith in the building, both he and Freiermuth should stand out more. His ability to make defenders pay after the catch was very encouraging last year. And now in his second year with Aaron Rodgers, it’s reasonable to think he takes another step in his development.
Sometimes when you have a unique player who fits a unique role perfectly you pay to keep them. And it’s never a bad decision to retain someone you drafted and developed. Darnell Washington fits that mold after starting 13 games last year. But to Cowherd, it comes at a price the Steelers shouldn’t be paying.