PIT Darnell Washington
NFL player. Position: TE. Team: Pittsburgh Steelers.
Quick Facts
- Position: TE
- Team: Steelers (PIT)
- Height/Weight: 6'7", ~300 lbs
- Contract: 4-year, $42M extension (signed June 2026; $21M guaranteed)
2026 Outlook
Washington agreed to a four-year, $42 million extension with the Steelers on June 4, 2026, signaling the team's confidence in the 24-year-old tight end as a core piece of their offense going forward. The deal comes after a strong 2025 season where he posted career highs in receiving production before a season-ending broken arm in Week 17 cut short his momentum as a legitimate red-zone threat. He's a "unicorn" tight end—exceptionally large at 6'7" and reportedly played at 300+ pounds—who excels as both a receiver and an elite blocker. Despite modest career totals (57 receptions, 625 yards, 2 TDs), his impact as a run-game facilitator makes him valuable beyond traditional receiving stats (per TE Darnell Washington, Steelers agree to terms on four-year, $42M extension). Washington is secure atop the TE depth chart with Pat Freiermuth, with strong competition for No. 3 reps from a renovated depth room featuring rookies Riley Nowakowski, Lake McRee, veteran Robert Tonyan (Rodgers connection), and others. (per Pittsburgh's Tight End Battle Is Suddenly Heating Up)
New HC Mike McCarthy's staff has implemented weight fines for 2026, and Washington has indicated he's looking to slim down from his reported 300+ pounds playing weight toward a more agile target in the passing game, balancing elite blocking without sacrificing receiving upside. (per Darnell Washington reveals he's looking to slim down for 2026 season)
Sports Illustrated identifies Washington as a tight end sleeper for 2026, with Aaron Rodgers' trust in the red zone positioning him for upside. The Steelers' current depth chart projects Washington as their TE1 over Pat Freiermuth, and his red zone target volume could translate to significant touchdown potential. With Rodgers' aggressive red zone approach, Washington is expected to land at least 5 touchdowns with upside to double digits if opportunities align. His size and athleticism make him valuable in non-PPR formats where touchdown equity drives value. (per The Top Fantasy Football Sleepers in the AFC North Including Shedeur Sanders)
Role / Depth Chart
Primary tight end. Steelers' focal point in pass game and run blocking.
Injury Status
No current injuries reported.
Recent News
- 2026-06-03 — Justin Boone's 2026 TE dynasty fantasy football rankings and trade value chart updates... (Justin Boone's 2026 TE dynasty fantasy football rankings and trade value chart updates...)
- 2026-06-11 — Grades for Every NFL Team's Tight End Room - All 32 Franchises [2026] (Grades for Every NFL Team's Tight End Room - All 32 Franchises [2026])
- 2026-02-18 — Highest-graded TEs from the 2025 NFL season: George Kittle reigns supreme (Highest-graded TEs from the 2025 NFL season: George Kittle reigns supreme)
- 2026-07-06 — 2026 Positional Spending Rankings: Tight Ends (2026 Positional Spending Rankings: Tight Ends)
- 2026-02-25 — Best Ball Draft Targets (2026 Fantasy Football) (Best Ball Draft Targets (2026 Fantasy Football))
- 2026-06-12 — Two NFL players already screwed Steelers in Keeanu Benton contract pursuit (Two NFL players already screwed Steelers in Keeanu Benton contract pursuit)
- 2026-06-03 — Steelers agree to terms with TE Darnell Washington on huge contract extension (Steelers agree to terms with TE Darnell Washington on huge contract extension)
- 2026-06-05 — Analyst Claims Steelers Latest Contract Extension is a Steal (Analyst Claims Steelers Latest Contract Extension is a Steal)
- 2026-06-03 — Steelers Sign TE Darnell Washington to Four-Year Extension (Steelers Sign TE Darnell Washington to Four-Year Extension)
- 2026-06-11 — 2026 NFL contracts: Next to get a big deal at every position (2026 NFL contracts: Next to get a big deal at every position)