In Indianapolis during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, the Pittsburgh Steelers are weighing significant choices about Darnell Washington’s future as the tight end enters the final year of his contract. The team is determined to retain the 311-pound athlete, who has quickly become a crucial component of their offense and blocking schemes.
Washington’s Impact Growing Beyond Blocking Role
Washington initially contributed primarily as an extra lineman in his first two seasons, but he emerged last year as an electric ball carrier capable of leaping defenders and delivering stiff-arms that caught widespread attention on social media. His blend of size and agility is unusual, and Washington’s receiving numbers have steadily increased, jumping from seven receptions in his rookie year to 31 catches for 364 yards and a touchdown in 2025.
While quarterback Aaron Rodgers began targeting him more frequently, Washington’s progress was interrupted by a fractured forearm, causing him to miss several late-season games, including the Wild Card playoff.
Health Update and Positive Outlook from Steelers Management
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan provided encouragement regarding Washington’s recovery, stating,
“His arm is fine by the way. Should be no restrictions, no issues.”
Khan emphasized the player’s development trajectory, adding,
“It’s just him, who he is. I expect him to get even better.”
Balancing Offensive Roles Amid Roster Competition
Despite Washington’s promise, the Steelers’ offense under coach Mike McCarthy tends to prioritize wide receivers, which could limit the tight end’s involvement given the presence of Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith. Khan acknowledges the challenge but stressed the importance of depth:
“You can’t ever have enough good players at a specific position.”
He sees Washington as part of a strong young core deserving of contract extensions.
Smith’s underperformance last season, combined with his high salary, positions him as a potential candidate for release, which might create more offensive opportunities for Washington and Freiermuth.
Washington Among Top Extension Candidates from 2023 Draft Class
Alongside Keeanu Benton, Joey Porter Jr., and Nick Herbig, Washington stands out as a high-priority player from Khan’s first draft class. Valued at just under $7 million per year by Over the Cap, Washington offers irreplaceable versatility in both blocking and receiving roles, making him an essential figure moving forward.
The Strategic Importance of Securing Washington Long Term
Washington represents a rare talent the Steelers can build around rather than attempt to replace. His combination of size, athleticism, and improving receiving skills makes him a cornerstone for Pittsburgh’s future plans on offense. The decisions made in the offseason regarding his contract will influence the team’s trajectory as they seek to fortify their roster and maintain competitiveness.
A tough evaluation? I’ll take 20 of him. He’s a guy we want here long term,
Omar Khan, Steelers GM
His arm is fine by the way. Should be no restrictions, no issues,
Omar Khan, Steelers GM
It’s just him, who he is. I expect him to get even better.
Omar Khan, Steelers GM
You can’t ever have enough good players at a specific position,
Omar Khan, Steelers GM
I really think we have a good young nucleus of guys that are deserving of second contracts.
Omar Khan, Steelers GM
DARNELL WASHINGTON OH MY GLORIOUS STIFF ARM.
CINvsPIT on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/vpn6NVgaFU
— NFL (@NFL) November 16, 2025
