Report: Steelers signing Washington to 4-year, $42M extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing tight end Darnell Washington to a four-year, $42-million extension, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Washington's new deal also includes $21 million guaranteed, Fowler adds. He was set to enter the final year of his rookie contract.

The 24-year-old has been with the Steelers since being drafted in the third round in 2023. Primarily used as a blocker as a rookie, Washington recorded just seven receptions for 61 yards in his first year.

However, the 6-foot-7, 264-pound tight end has since emerged as a threat in the passing game, setting career highs in catches (31) and receiving yards (364) last season. Washington went viral during the 2025 campaign after bulldozing multiple Cincinnati Bengals defenders on a catch for a big gain.

The Georgia product is the second player from Pittsburgh's 2023 draft class to receive an extension this week. Nick Herbig, who set a career high in sacks in 2025 with 7.5, landed a four-year, $100-million deal on Tuesday.

Washington has been participating in Pittsburgh's offseason program after breaking his arm last season, which sidelined him for the team's wild-card round loss to the Houston Texans.