INDIANAPOLIS – The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of money tied up in the tight end position as it is, but they have a significant decision to make about Darnell Washington’s future.
One thing is very clear: they don’t want to let the player who is going into the final year of his contract get away.
“A tough evaluation? I’ll take 20 of him. He’s a guy we want here long term,” Steelers GM Omar Khan said Tuesday during his 2026 NFL Scouting Combine podium session.
After mostly serving as a sixth offensive lineman over his first two seasons, Washington showed that he can be a weapon with the ball in his hands last season. He lit the NFL social media world on fire multiple times by knocking down, leaping over, and stiff-arming defenders.
At 311 pounds, it hardly seems fair that he can catch and run the way he is able to.
Just when Aaron Rodgers was starting to look his way often in the passing game, Washington fractured his forearm. That held him out of the last couple games, including the Wild Card playoff loss.
Khan offered some good news about his health.
“His arm is fine by the way. Should be no restrictions, no issues,” Khan said while describing his progress from year to year. “It’s just him, who he is. I expect him to get even better.”
Already one of the best blocking tight ends in the league, Washington is just scratching the surface of his potential as a receiver. From seven receptions during his rookie season, to 19 in Year 2, Washington had 31 for 364 yards and a TD in 2025.
Plays like this make you wonder what he could do with a little more volume coming his way.
Finding that volume could be difficult in a Mike McCarthy offense that features wide receivers more than tight ends. Especially with Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith on the roster.
“You can’t ever have enough good players at a specific position,” Khan said. “I really think we have a good young nucleus of guys that are deserving of second contracts.”
Smith didn’t live up to expectations last year, and could be a prime cut candidate at his price tag. That would open the door to more opportunities for Washington and Freiermuth.
Keeanu Benton, Joey Porter Jr., Washington, and Nick Herbig are all candidates to receive an extension from Khan’s impressive first draft class in 2023. Based on what Khan said, Washington will be one of the top priorities.
Over the Cap has him valued at just under $7 million per season. You can’t replace what Washington offers the team with just one player.
Darnell Washington is the kind of rare, tone-setting piece you build around—not the kind you gamble on replacing.
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