The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t just reward Darnell Washington. They may have revealed there’s something bigger going on with the new offense under Mike McCarthy.
Washington’s four-year, $42 million extension with $21 million guaranteed is a serious investment in a player who’s still developing as a receiver. On the surface, that number might seem aggressive for a tight end with modest career production. Through three seasons, Washington has 57 catches for 625 yards and two touchdowns.
But that’s not really the point.
Washington’s value has never been built around fantasy football numbers or target share. It’s built around what he lets the Steelers do before the snap. He gives Pittsburgh size, flexibility, disguise, and a physical presence that few teams can match.
“He is a one-of-one type of player,” Still Curtain managing editor Tommy Jaggi said on the “Still Curtain” podcast.
It’s a succinct description that perfectly sums up why the Steelers were willing to move early. Washington isn’t just another in-line tight end. He’s a game- and scheme-changer in heavy personnel. If Pittsburgh wants to lean into 12- and 13-personnel under McCarthy, Washington becomes part of the offensive identity rather than just a supporting piece.
Darnell Washington gives Pittsburgh Steelers a different kind of weapon
The Steelers have spent years trying to find a consistent offensive personality. Mike Tomlin rambled on about being physical without actually forcing defenses to adjust to it. Washington gives them a path toward doing that.
“This is the only person like him in the NFL where he’s like a pseudo-offensive tackle,” said Jaggi.
That’s what makes this an intriguing extension. Washington can help the run game without leaving the field on passing downs. He can line up tight, create movement, seal edges, and help protect Aaron Rodgers. Then, when defenses treat him like another blocker, he can leak into space and punish smaller defenders after the catch.
“He can basically stay as a Y tight end, as an inline blocker, act as an extra left or right tackle if you need him to.”
That’s not a luxury, but a foundation piece for an offense trying to become less predictable under the new regime.
Washington averaged 11.7 yards per catch last season, which showed he’s capable of doing more than absorbing contact at the line of scrimmage. He’s still not likely to become a high-volume receiving threat, but he doesn’t need to be.
Washington isn’t getting paid upwards of $10 million to be a receiver. The Steelers paid him because he helps define what McCarthy wants the offense to be.
Add us as a preferred source on Google