Steelers Legend James Harrison Sends Direct Message To Fans Regarding Darnell Washington Extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers have recently been handing out some big paydays to their 2023 draft class. The team gave extensions to edge rusher Nick Herbig and tight end Darnell Washington. Both players are technically backups, but very important pieces to the roster. Herbig should be a starter sooner rather than later, with TJ Watt's play declining and Alex Highsmith possibly getting traded. Washington, on the other hand, is a little more complicated, as his future usage in the new offense remains a question mark given Mike McCarthy's history with 12 personnel. The deal is certainly a risk for the organization, but one that could be necessary. 

Washington inked a four-year $42 million extension, making him the 12th highest-paid tight end in the NFL. His role in Pittsburgh has been mostly as a blocker, and a very good one at that, but he also surprised a lot of fans with his abilities as a receiver. 

Though he is an elite blocker on the edge, he may not be the best scheme fit in McCarthy's West Coast system. This is bringing some in Steeler Nation to question the move made by Omar Khan. 

Steelers legend James Harrison recently appeared on an episode of his show, Deebo & Joe, with co-host Joe Haden. Harrison gave a message that should leave fans encouraged by the extension, believing the deal is a very reasonable price tag for a quality starter. 

"They thinking it's too much. No it's not, dude. No, it's not. What are y'all talking about? Y'all don't understand the concept," Harrison stated. What is it? Eight, almost eight to eleven [million], they say? For a good, solid starter." 

Washington's ability as a pass-catcher has been severely overlooked since he was drafted in 2023, primarily due to his lack of usage in that department. In 2025, he set career highs in catches and yards and saw the most targets of his short career. He seemed to have good chemistry with Aaron Rodgers, who has traditionally loved tight ends throughout the course of his career. 

Though he got to showcase his receiving ability, he's probably not better than teammate Pat Freiermuth, who is the NFL's ninth-highest-paid tight end. Washington stands at 6'7" and 311 pounds, and has surprising quickness for his size. However, Freiermuth is the better route runner and more natural receiver. When the team goes 11 personnel, Freiermuth will be the one on the field more often than not, putting Washington on the sideline. 

McCarthy will have to adjust his offensive scheme further to get Washington on the field. Incorporating more 12 personnel to get Washington on the field would be wise. Washington was the team's ace in the run game and was a pivotal piece in the play-action protections. Being able to match him up one-on-one with defensive ends in the run game and also to pass protect is a luxury most teams in the NFL don't have, and one that the Steelers must continue to maximize. 

Steelers Must Maximize Darnell Washington's Talents

Washington is essentially a sixth offensive lineman who also runs like a tight end. His importance to the team was never more evident than when he broke his forearm in the team's Week 17 contest against the Cleveland Browns, where the run game became nonexistent. He was also heavily missed in the Wild Card massacre against the Houston Texans, where their edge rushers took over the game. 

Freiermuth is a great receiving threat, but his blocking ability is average at best. He can't be asked to block defensive ends the way Washington can. With the roster built around big physical receivers and the duo of Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle in the backfield, the run game will be the team's identity, and Washington will be the key to that identity.

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