Darnell Washington’s steady rise in Pittsburgh Steelers was rewarded on Wednesday, June 3, as the Steelers agreed to a four-year, $42 million contract extension with the tight end. The fans made their excitement known in the comments.

The deal includes $21 million guaranteed and keeps one of the team's young offensive pieces in Pittsburgh for the future. The 2025 season marked a breakthrough year for Washington, who posted career-best totals of 31 receptions and 364 receiving yards while scoring one touchdown across 16 games.

Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy praised the former Georgia standout's approach and development.

“Love Darnell," McCarthy said on Tuesday, June 2. "He's been here every day, classroom, good student. He's a pro's pro. I've been very, very impressed with him."

The first-year head coach also noted Washington's influence on the offense.

“Year 1, as you get to know your players, there's certain schemes you may tilt one way or the other, variations of schemes," McCarthy said on Thursday. "And definitely we've been doing that with our tight ends, and he's a big part of that reason.”

In three seasons with Pittsburgh, Washington has recorded 57 receptions for 625 yards and two touchdowns in 50 appearances.

Washington joins linebacker Nick Herbig as the first members of the Steelers' 2023 draft class to receive extensions this offseason. With Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton also viewed as key pieces moving forward, Pittsburgh's investment in its 2023 draft class appears far from finished.

The extension sparked plenty of excitement among Steelers fans, with many celebrating the long-term future of the player.

Darnell Washington's New Contract Has Steelers Fans Talking

Standing tall at 6-foot-7 and weighing 311 pounds, he is known as Mount Washington. One fan had called him a key piece of the offense.

"Best news I heard so far from the Steelers this year! Been saying it from the beginning that this guy is the X-Factor, even as a rookie… Definitely deserves more REDZONE touches than anyone else on their offense! ‘Mount Washington’!” the comment read.

Others focused on the physical traits that have made Washington a threat throughout his first three NFL seasons. “Don't care what anyone says. That man is a f****** beast," a fan wrote. Besides his height and weight, he possesses explosive lower-body strength and sure hands.

Another highlighted the long-term value of the move, posting on X. “Big move by Pittsburgh. Locking up Darnell Washington gives them a massive, long-term weapon at TE both as a blocker and a red-zone mismatch," he wrote. Known for his blocking ability during his first three seasons, Washington is now starting to emerge as a legitimate receiving threat.

With a new head coach, a fan expects an even better season for Washington. "There's so much insane potential with this man. I pray Mike McCarthy unlocks it this season," he wrote.

With a skill set that contrasts with those of Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith, Washington has brought valuable versatility to the position group.

What do you think about the Steelers' move with Washington? Share your thoughts.

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Written by

Debanjali Rakshit

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar