Coming off the best season of his young career, tight end Darnell Washington agreed to a four-year, $42 million contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers, multiple media outlets reported on Wednesday.
Washington, 24, will receive $21 million guaranteed, per the reports.
Last season, the 2023 third-round draft pick out of Georgia set career highs with 31 receptions and 364 receiving yards in 16 games (13 starts). He made one touchdown catch in each of the past two seasons.
The 6-foot-7, 264-pounder has been a big red-zone target while also using his size to overpower defenders.
“Love Darnell,” first-year Steelers coach Mike McCarthy told reporters earlier this week. “He’s been here every day, classroom, good student. He’s a pro’s pro. I’ve been very, very impressed with him. …
“Year 1, as you get to know your players, there’s certain schemes you may tilt one way or the other, variations of schemes. And definitely we’ve been doing that with our tight ends, and he’s a big part of that reason.”
In three seasons with the Steelers, Washington has totaled 57 catches for 625 yards and two scores in 50 games (29 starts).
Washington and outside linebacker Nick Herbig, who signed his four-year, $100 million extension on Wednesday, are the first members of the Steelers’ 2023 draft class to land extensions this spring.
“I’d love to keep that whole class here,” Herbig said. “I think we got a bunch of dogs in there. I’m excited. I think some things (are) going to happen. I hope so.”
