Steelers Expected To Sign Fan Favorite To Lucrative Multi-Year Extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers have only made a few re-signings in the 2026 offseason thus far, and there appears to be quite a bit of turnover happening on the roster to go along with the brand new coaching staff. With everyone that's been allowed to walk in free agency, there are a lot of holes for General Manager Omar Khan to fill. Many believe he's done a good job starting on that with the various moves he made on Day 1 of legal tampering, and more are to come whether it's sooner or later in the offseason. 

Not only does Khan have to deal with current free agents, but he also has to deal with players on expiring contracts. While making a recent appearance on 93.7 The Fan, insider Mark Kaboly brought up a fan favorite that could get a nice multi-year extension, especially for the price.

"[The Steelers] got plenty of money, and they need plenty of money to be honest with you," Kaboly said. "If you're going to go and re-sign Darnell Washington -- that looks like he's at least an $8 million a year guy, right? Three [years] for $24 [million], three for 25, considering what we saw in the first wave of free agency."

After looking like he was close to switching positions, Darnell Washington burst onto the scene in the 2025 season as a legitimate receiving threat while also being an elite blocker. He did not catch the ball much, but when he did, he made noise. He had 31 receptions for 364 yards and a touchdown. That does not sound all that exciting, but the stat sheet does not come close to telling the whole story in this situation. 

When Washington had the ball in his hands, defenders trembled in fear. Having a 6'7", 300-plus-pound tight end running full speed at you is a very scary sight. Despite his size, he could run, hurdle, stiff-arm, and truck through the defense. He has gone viral numerous times for how he was able to just bully the opposition with his freakish size while still moving like he's 6'2" and 240 lbs. He doesn't get the ball much, but when he does, watch out.

Washington played 57% of offensive snaps in 2025, and he made the most of nearly every single one. He was a part of the Steelers' ultra-jumbo set with Spencer Anderson and the offensive tackle on whichever side they were lined up on. That combination of those three men totaled up to over 1,000 pounds, which set the edge and led to the most consistently great part of Pittsburgh's offense. 

Steelers Are Watching The Market Value Go Up For Blocking Tight Ends

When Kaboly was talking about what we saw in free agency, he was most likely referring to Charlie Kolar, who received a three-year contract worth $8.1 million with the New York Giants per year despite the fact that he is not really a big threat in the receiving game. He had a career-high 142 yards on 10 receptions in 2025 and still got that contract. Washington may be set up for a real nice payday. 

If "Mount Washington" keeps developing as a receiver while still being a dominant blocker, $8 million per year might be less than what his value is. There are many great blocking tight ends out there, but there is only one Darnell Washington. Kolar is a good player, but he doesn't strike fear into the hearts of the opposition when the ball is in his hands. The big Steelers' tight end might be looking at $10 million per year instead. 

What do you think about Washington's upcoming extension? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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