Darnell Washington’s steady rise in thePittsburgh Steelers earned him one of the biggest paydays of his career this week.
The Steelers signed the 24-year-old tight end to a four-year, $42M extension with $21M guaranteed, keeping him under contract through the 2030 season after the best year of his young NFL career.
Darnell Washington Opens Up After Steelers Reward Breakout Season With $42 Million Extension
Dec 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) celebrates with tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) and tight end Darnell Washington (80) after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Washington came into the off-season with an opportunity to renegotiate his contract, having recorded career-best numbers with 31 receptions, 364 yards gained, and 13 starts through the 2025 season. The new contract further builds on the efforts of general manager Omar Khan to keep the Steelers’ 2023 draft class intact, with Nick Herbig also inking a new deal.
“It’s like a dream come true. They say making it to the league is a dream come true but also getting that second contract is another dream come true. So just blessed that I got that.”
Darnell Washington on signing his extension with the Steelers:
“It’s like a dream come true. They say making it to the league is a dream come true but also getting that second contract is another dream come true. So just blessed that I got that.”#steelers
🎥 not just… pic.twitter.com/KeeSvpEZFN
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) June 20, 2026
Now, Washington has grown to become one of the most unusual tight ends in the NFL. At 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighing close to 300 pounds, Washington established himself as a formidable blocker who would operate as the sixth offensive lineman. Nevertheless, Washington’s importance grew last season as the Steelers relied on him more in the passing game.
This saw him score a touchdown for the second consecutive season and become an excellent target in crucial moments, as the Steelers have an alternative tight end in Pat Freiermuth. Washington has been identified as an important player in the new offense under head coach Mike McCarthy.
“Love Darnell,” McCarthy said earlier this offseason. “He’s been here every day, in the classroom, good student, he’s a pro’s pro. I’ve been very impressed with him.”
The extension makes Washington one of the league’s higher-paid TEs with an average annual value of $10.5M.
For the Steelers, it is a bet that one of their most physically gifted players is only scratching the surface. For Washington, it is validation after spending three seasons doing much of the dirty work.
Now, he heads into 2026 with a bigger role, higher expectations, and long-term security with the Steelers.