The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed TE Darnell Washington to a four-year, $42 million extension. First reported by ESPN\u2019s Jeremy Fowler, the Steelers lock up Washington after a breakout 2025 season.<\/p>\n
Per Fowler, $21 million of it is guaranteed although that likely includes injury guaranteed. At $10.5 million per year, Washington becomes the NFL\u2019s highest-paid \u201cblocking\u201d tight end. Overall, he becomes the league\u2019s 12th-highest paid tight end<\/a> and slightly behind Pat Freiermuth\u2019s $12.1 million average yearly value.<\/p>\n With his 2026 PPE escalator factored in, his total money totals out to over $45 million.<\/p>\n Darnell Washington was previous scheduled to earn $3.674 million in 2026 as part of him earning a PPE raise this past offseason. With $42 million being the total of the four new years, his new five-year total should now be $45.674 million. Not all of the $21 million listed as\u2026<\/p>\n \u2014 Steelers Depot 7\u20e3 (@Steelersdepot) June 4, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n A third-round pick (93rd overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft, Washington entered the NFL known for his blocking ability. While he remains one of the best blocking tight ends in the league, he\u2019s also shown the ability to make plays as a receiver. Last season, he totaled a career high 31 receptions for 364 yards. For his career, Washington has caught 57 passes for 625 yards in 50 games. Last season, 16 of his 31 receptions were good for a first down.<\/p>\n\n