The Pittsburgh Steelers lock down towering tight end Darnell Washington with a lucrative extension, securing a premier blocking force to anchor their rushing attack and stabilize the offensive front.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are hamming out deals during mandatory minicamp this week and made another decision to keep a 2023 draft pick in the fold on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Pittsburgh agreed to a contract extension with Nick Herbig, offering the pass-rusher a four-year contract extension worth $100 million. On Wednesday, linebacker Alex Highsmith missed mandatory practice, which drew speculation that he missed practice in connection to Herbig's new deal.
On Wednesday, the Steelers focused their attention on the offense. Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Pittsburgh signed tight end Darnell Washington a four-year contract extension worth $42 million, $21 million of which is guaranteed.
"The Steelers and tight end Darnell Washington have reached agreement on a four-year, $42M extension, per sources," Fowler posted on X. "The deal includes $21M guaranteed. Steelers and agent @PerrettM at @PrioritySports reached deal tonight."
Washington has recorded 57 receptions for 625 yards and two touchdowns in his first three seasons. The six-foot-seven, 311-pound tight end is known as a power blocker and will help chip opposing pass-rushers and help in the running game.
On Tuesday, Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy praised the 2023 third-round pick, saying Washington has done everything the new coaching staff has asked of him during OTAs.
“Love Darnell. He has been there every day (at OTAs),” McCarthy said, via the Steelers. “In the classroom—good student. He’s a pro’s pro. I’ve been very, very impressed with him. He’s done everything we’ve asked.”
The Steelers plan to use their tight ends in the running game, an aspect of the offense that's critical to McCarthy. He plans to use Washington's unique skillset as a blocking talent this season.
“Year 1, as you get to know your players to certain schemes, you may tilt one way or the other with variations of schemes," McCarthy said. "Definitely, we’ve been doing that with our tight ends, and he’s a big part of that reason.”
The combination of Pat Freiermuth and Washington are a dynamic tight end duo for Pittsburgh, and are expected to be one of the best tight end units in the league this season.
With Washington's new deal, the Steelers are set to have the tight end for years to come.
