The Pittsburgh Steelers have been active in handing out new contracts to a lot of their young stars this year. One of the biggest complaints some fans have had from these deals are that the team is prioritizing players that are closer to backups as opposed to paying their top stars.
One such name who fits this category is Darnell Washington.
The freakishly big blocker with surprising athleticism inked a new four-year deal paying him $10.5 million a season. This made him the highest-paid blocking tight end in the league and gave the Steelers two highly paid tight ends.
With a new system focused less on multi-tight end sets, it feels like the Steelers could be paying for past performance. However, after the Raiders announced a new deal for Michael Mayer, their backup tight end, it makes the Washington contract look all the better.
The Steelers got a steal with Darnell Washington
For clarity, I never had an issue with the Washington contract. While it's a larger deal, Washington is a rare talent. He is far and away the best blocking tight end in the league, but he flashed impressive receiving chops over the past two seasons.
Mayer is a different player all around. He lacks the blocking talent that Washington has, but he is a better receiver overall. He lacks the elite traits to make him a dynamic receiving threat, though, as he does most of his damage as a possession receiver.
The Raiders just rewarded him with a contract that has less years than Washington's yet pays Mayer $15 million per year. Given that Brock Bowers is the vocal point of the offense, it feels like an overpay for an emergency option.
Yes, Mayer is coming off a career year, but that was thanks to Brock Bowers dealing with injuries last year. Even with that increase in opportunity, he still posted a worst year than Washington did.
Now, the Raiders are in a similar spot to where Pittsburgh is right now. They have their franchise quarterback (hopefully) on a rookie deal. They can afford to spend money on other positions while their signal caller is on a affordable deal.
That doesn't justify this overpay though, and it makes the Washington deal look all the better. Washington has a clear role in Pittsburgh even when the starter is healthy. On the flip side, when Bowers is healthy, Mayer doesn't offer you much for Las Vegas.
The Washington deal felt like a good one when it was announced. With the Mayer deal now official, it only sweetens that feeling. The Steelers got a good one locked up, and they clearly got him for a good price.
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