Pittsburgh Steelers sign TE Darnell Washington to $42 M, four‑year extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to a four‑year contract extension with tight end Darnell Washington that runs through the 2030 season. The deal is worth $42 million in total, includes $21 million in guaranteed money and averages $10.5 million per year, making Washington the 12th‑highest‑paid tight end in the NFL.

Washington becomes the third player to receive a contract extension this offseason, joining kicker Chris Boswell and edge rusher Nick Herbig, and the second member of the Steelers' 2023 draft class to re‑sign. Head coach Mike McCarthy praised Washington’s work ethic and his role in both the passing and running games during minicamp.

The extension follows Washington’s progression from a third‑round pick in the 2023 draft to a key blocker and reliable receiver, after posting career highs last season with 31 receptions for 364 yards and a touchdown.