Following his most productive NFL campaign to date, Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington has secured a four-year contract extension worth $42 million, according to multiple media reports released Wednesday.
The 24-year-old player will earn $21 million in guaranteed money as part of the deal, sources indicate.
During the previous season, Washington, who was selected in the third round of the 2023 draft from Georgia, achieved personal bests with 31 catches and 364 receiving yards across 16 games, including 13 as a starter. He has recorded one touchdown reception in each of his last two campaigns.
Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 264 pounds, Washington has become a valuable red-zone weapon while leveraging his physical advantages against opposing defenders.
“Love Darnell,” first-year Steelers coach Mike McCarthy shared with media members earlier this week. “He’s been here every day, classroom, good student. He’s a pro’s pro. I’ve been very, very impressed with him. …”
“Year 1, as you get to know your players, there’s certain schemes you may tilt one way or the other, variations of schemes. And definitely we’ve been doing that with our tight ends, and he’s a big part of that reason.”
Throughout his three-year tenure with Pittsburgh, Washington has accumulated 57 receptions for 625 yards and two touchdowns across 50 appearances, starting 29 of those contests.
Both Washington and outside linebacker Nick Herbig, who finalized his four-year, $100 million extension on Wednesday, represent the initial members of Pittsburgh’s 2023 draft class to secure new deals this offseason.
“I’d love to keep that whole class here,” Herbig commented. “I think we got a bunch of dogs in there. I’m excited. I think some things (are) going to happen. I hope so.”
