Steelers' Darnell Washington Gets Big Time Endorsement As Question Marks Remain

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted tight end Darnell Washington in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He was selected by Omar Khan and former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin with the expectation that he would develop into an elite blocking tight end. However, when Arthur Smith got his hands on the 6-foot-8, 300-plus-pound Washington, he began finding creative ways to utilize the massive athlete. Naturally, health and knee concerns will always be part of the conversation when it comes to Washington, but it sounds like Pittsburgh is committed to building a future with him, which will likely excite the Steelers fan base quickly.

Many fans have already become enamored with Washington thanks to his punishing stiff arms and ability to create nightmares for defenders trying to bring him down. Watching him dominate on the field has been a spectacle, and it is clear that his physical tools alone make him a player worth investing in. His unique combination of size, strength, and athleticism has made him one of the most intriguing young tight ends in the league.

While speaking to the media at the NFL Combine on Tuesday, Khan revealed a telling confession that could dramatically change Washington’s career trajectory for the better in the Steel City. Khan made it clear hinting that Washington is a cornerstone of the Steelers’ plans moving forward, leaving little doubt about the organization’s commitment to him. For Washington, this could be the stability and confidence boost he needs to fully unleash his potential, and for Steeler Nation, it signals that one of their most exciting young talents is not going anywhere anytime soon.

"I'll take 20 Darnell Washingtons," Khan said.

That comment alone does not guarantee that Pittsburgh will end up getting an extension done with Washington, but it is telling. Washington is still on his rookie deal, and after the 2027 season he will be an unrestricted free agent. It does not seem like Washington will be going anywhere after all. 

There were some early rumblings about how the new regime would utilize him. With Mike McCarthy now at the helm as the head coach in the Steel City. There were questions floating around about how Washington would be used going forward without Smith as his offensive coordinator.

It was clear that Smith and the former Steelers brass valued Washington. Even though the Steelers already had Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth, Washington continued to eat into their target share and impressed nearly every time he touched the football, aside from a couple of concerns about ball security for the big man.

In the 2025 season, all eyes were on the tight end room, but it was not because of Washington. The focus was on Smith and Freiermuth, two known pass-catching tight ends. Still, Washington turned in an exciting season, going viral several times for his bruising running style with the football in his hands.

Steelers Insider Gives Fans Big Update On Darnell Washington's Health

That season, Washington played in 16 games before suffering a season-ending injury. He has been working out in Arizona, and according to Steelers insider Mark Kaboly, his injury is fine. Kaboly interprets Khan’s comments to mean that Washington will be a priority for an extension before the start of the 2026 season.

In the 2025 season, Washington had 31 catches for 364 receiving yards and one touchdown. He was targeted 43 times, and while his numbers are not massive, the times he had the football were often critical and game-changing plays. Steelers fans are left wondering what could happen if Washington received even more targets.

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