The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed TE Darnell Washington to a four-year, $42 million extension. First reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Steelers lock up Washington after a breakout 2025 season.
Per Fowler, $21 million of it is guaranteed although that likely includes injury guaranteed. At $10.5 million per year, Washington becomes the NFL’s highest-paid “blocking” tight end. Overall, he becomes the league’s 12th-highest paid tight end and slightly behind Pat Freiermuth’s $12.1 million average yearly value.
With his 2026 PPE escalator factored in, his total money totals out to over $45 million.
A third-round pick (93rd overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft, Washington entered the NFL known for his blocking ability. While he remains one of the best blocking tight ends in the league, he’s also shown the ability to make plays as a receiver. Last season, he totaled a career high 31 receptions for 364 yards. For his career, Washington has caught 57 passes for 625 yards in 50 games. Last season, 16 of his 31 receptions were good for a first down.
At the NFL Combine, Omar Khan expressed interest in signing Washington to a new deal, and the two sides were able to get something done ahead of the 2026 season. Washington becomes the second Steelers tight end to earn a second contract in recent years, as TE Pat Freiermuth also signed an extension with the Steelers prior to the 2024 season.
Washington’s 2025 season ended on a sour note as he suffered a broken forearm in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns which caused him to miss the Steelers’ final regular-season game and first-round playoff matchup. Earlier in the season, Washington went viral for running over numerous Browns defenders after making a catch.
Washington becomes the second member of the Steelers’ 2023 draft class, joining EDGE Nick Herbig, who signed a $100 million extension today after agreeing to it Tuesday. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and defensive lineman Keeanu Benton are also candidates for long-term deals.
With a tight end room much less crowded than 2025, Washington could have the chance to really take a step forward for the Steelers. His blocking is integral to the team’s physicality and success running the football, but he should serve as the true No. 2 receiving option at the position behind Freiermuth. With a new coaching staff, Washington could be utilized as a bigger red zone threat, as he has just two career receiving touchdowns.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Washington blossom into a core piece of Pittsburgh’s offense and future now that his long-term future is secured with the Steelers.