Omar Khan is handing out contract extensions like they’re going out of style.
First, he got a deal done with Chris Boswell. Then, he extended Nick Herbig. Now, he’s given Darnell Washington a payday.
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Washington in the third round in 2023, and he’s developed into a key piece of their offense. While not everyone loved the deal, Gregg Rosenthal actually thinks it’s team friendly.
“I can’t believe how cheap that Darnell Washington contract is,” Rosenthal wrote Thursday on Twitter.
I can't believe how cheap that Darnell Washington contract is
— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) June 4, 2026
Washington’s contract extension is four years and $42 million, with $21 million guaranteed. That should pay him a little more than $10 million per year, and it makes him the 12-highest paid tight end in the league.
That might seem like a lot for a tight end mostly known for his blocking. Washington has yet to record at least 400 receiving yards in a season, and he’s only caught two touchdowns.
However, consider the players who are making similar money compared to Washington. T.J. Hockenson, Juwan Johnson and Cade Otton are all making around $10 million per year. Hockenson has made two Pro Bowls, and he’s a solid receiving threat. Meanwhile, Johnson had over 800 yards last year and Otton has gone over 400 yards in each of the past three seasons.
Combined with his blocking, Washington is arguably more impactful than those players. Also, the Steelers’ offense has had a ton of issues during Washington’s time in Pittsburgh. There’s a chance that, in a better system, he could be more utilized as a pass catcher.
Washington has taken strides as a receiver during each year of his career. If he takes another step forward in 2026, then this deal could end up looking like a steal, especially because of how good of a blocker he is. He’s like an extra offensive lineman, and his presence helped spark the Steelers’ run game last year.
No, Washington won’t ever be Travis Kelce. However, he’s a unicorn. Players like Washington don’t grow on trees.
It’s good that the Steelers locked him up, even if he never becomes a top receiving tight end. He brings more to the table than that.
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