Steelers' Darnell Washington Could Face Competition From Another Gigantic Tight End

The Pittsburgh Steelers have several key rookie contracts that are set to expire after the 2026 season. One of those includes former Georgia tight end Darnell Washington, who has established himself as a key weapon in the Steelers' offense. Washington was unlocked in 2025 as a pass catcher and had his statistically best season yet; but the need for a new contract looms over the heads of Steelers' brass, as they have many other key players who need new contracts for 2027.

The Steelers have 12 draft picks in this year's draft, and addressing the future need for tight end could be on the list for a mid-round pick. Washington was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft when Pittsburgh traded up to get him. In 2025, the young bruiser had a career high in receiving yards with 364. He's known for his giant 6'7" frame and weighs close to 300 pounds. 

While he would be greatly missed, the Steelers were connected to another Georgia giant in a recent mock draft. In the league's official website's recent four-round mock draft, analyst Chad Reuter had the Steelers selecting Oscar Delp in the fourth round. The Steelers would utilize their fourth-round draft choice at pick 121 for potentially a Washington part two. Draft analyst Lance Zierlein gave an overview of Delp's skill set. 

"Delp is a fluid athlete with the forward lean, short-area quickness, and pure speed to beat linebackers on intermediate routes. His soft hands and smooth catch skills show up on the move, though his short arms and inconsistent finish through contact limit his reliability," Zierlein wrote. "He has enough toughness and technique to help in the run game as he improves his strength. Delp projects as a Day 3 prospect with three-down potential and untapped upside as a pass catcher."

Delp has major upside as a receiver, which is a skill that Washington took some time to develop. He is another giant at 6'5" and 250 pounds, and his hands make him an attractive option for the Steelers that will look to add another threat alongside their number one, Pat Freiermuth. 

Washington could be a candidate for the Steelers to move on from, and Delp would be a solid addition to the offense. Delp's receiving upside will give Steelers quarterbacks yet another weapon. The Steelers brass has made it a point to add weapons to its offense, and Delp would be a nice project piece to make that happen. 

At Georgia, Delp put up 20 catches for 261 yards and a touchdown. The senior tight end was a consistent piece of the offense and put up 200+ yards receiving from his sophomore year to his senior season. This upside would be an intriguing development alongside Freiermuth, and with a pass-heavy offense, like Head Coach Mike McCarthy is expected to run, Delp could thrive. 

Steelers Have Some Very Big Decisions To Make

In the 2027 offseason, the Steelers will have some major choices to make regarding who they keep under contract from the 2023 draft class. The Steelers' front office nailed that draft and has several players who need contracts. 

This includes the aforementioned Washington and players like edge rusher Nick Herbig and star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. These players are set to make solid money, and the Steelers may have to make some tough decisions on which players they want to keep from the bunch. 

The Steelers could find themselves looking to the draft for some insurance in case some of these key pieces depart from the team. This could be done in the mid-rounds where the Steelers stockpiled on picks, including three in the third round. Either way, Pittsburgh needs to brace itself for the 2027 offseason, where many shifts could occur regarding their young pieces from the 2023 draft. 

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