The Steelers locked up second‑round tight end Darnell Washington on a four‑year extension worth $42 million, with $21 million guaranteed. Washington, the 2023 draft’s second pick, recorded a career‑high 364 yards on 31 catches last season and scored a touchdown in each of the past two years. The deal ties him to Pittsburgh through the 2029 campaign.

Coach Mike McCarthy praised Washington’s work ethic, calling him a “pros pro” who adapts to schematic tweaks at the tight‑end spot. At 6‑foot‑7 and near 300 pounds, Washington serves as a red‑zone threat and can break tackles in the open field. His extension follows linebacker Nick Herbig’s four‑year, $100 million deal, signaling confidence in the 2023 draft class.

The contracts underline general manager Omar Khan’s strategy to retain home‑grown talent after a mixed 2025 campaign that ended with a season‑ending neck injury to Broderick Jones. By securing Washington and Herbig, Pittsburgh aims to solidify its offensive weapons and defensive core, giving the Steelers a stable foundation for the next four seasons.

Both extensions lock key pieces of a roster that struggled with consistency on both sides of the ball. With Washington’s size and route‑running adding a reliable target for quarterback Kenny Pickett, and Herbig anchoring the linebacking corps, Pittsburgh positions itself to compete in the AFC North without relying on free‑agent splurges.