The Pittsburgh Steelers had a relatively drama-free offseason program before the 2025 season, but that is not going to be the case in 2026. There are a handful of players that are due for extensions, and they are all guys that the Steelers should want to stick around the franchise for a long time. The list includes players from the 2023 NFL Draft, such as cornerback Joey Porter Jr., defensive tackle Keeanu Benton, outside linebacker Nick Herbig, and tight end Darnell Washington. Each of those individuals has earned another deal, but it will be interesting to see who the franchise is able to ink to fresh contracts.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan looks out to the crowd and takes it all in as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice being held at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
General Manager Omar Khan is known for being able to manage the cap, and that should come in handy when it comes to trying to extend each of those players. Porter is not participating in any practices while he waits for a new deal, but he has been in attendance at the offseason program.
Herbig missed Organized Team Activities (OTAs), but Washington was in attendance and participating. Head Coach Mike McCarthy was asked about the tight end's contract situation, and he stated that Washington has still been doing everything that is asked of him.
Darnell Washington, conversely, “has been here everyday” despite seeking a contract extension
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) June 2, 2026
“He’s done everything we’ve asked of him” —McCarthy https://t.co/bRLwfLQ4jw
This is a good sign for the fans as it seems like no drama will be coming from Washington as he waits for a nice payday. He could always decide to hold-in once training camp rolls around if something is still not done, but that still wouldn't be too bad as he would at least be present in Latrobe. Washington proved to be a valuable piece of the offense in 2025, and he should get a second contract to stick around in Pittsburgh for a few more years.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers tight end Darnell Washington during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Washington still isn't a huge receiving threat, but he is one of the best blocking tight ends in the league. He is also hard to bring down with the ball in his hands, which was on full display more than once during the 2025 season.
We need more Darnell Washington screens.
— Polymarket Football (@PolymarketBlitz) May 24, 2026
He will bulldoze anyone in his way. pic.twitter.com/gDE6fIwA2R
He is behind Pat Freiermuth on the depth chart, but they will both be on the field together a decent amount. Having Washington attached to the end of the line is legitimately like having a third offensive tackle on the field. He is a true blocking tight end, which is a position that has had its market slowly rise over the years.
Tyler Miller / Pittsburgh Steelers
Former Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell runs behind Darnell Washington during a Week 4 game in the 2025 season in Dublin, Ireland.
Steelers Fans Could Be Shocked When Seeing How Much Darnell Washington Signs For
Washington is not a traditional tight end. He is not going to go for 750 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in a season. He will chip in in the passing game sparingly, but his real impact will be felt in the run game. Blocking tight ends are a hot commodity in today's NFL, and that was evident by the way the position flew off the board during the 2026 NFL Draft. That was mostly due to the fact that the cost to sign a great blocking tight end has steadily increased.
Charlie Kolar is the league's highest-paid blocking tight end after signing a three-year, $24.3 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers. Washington's extension should have an average annual value somewhere in that same ballpark, potentially even higher.
When do you think Washington will get his extension? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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