Steelers make another big signing, giving tight end Darnell Washington a new five-year deal

Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Jun 3, 2026

Published in Football

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PITTSBURGH — The Steelers have signed tight end Darnell Washington to a new five-year deal worth $45.674 million, sources told the Post-Gazette on Wednesday.

It is the second significant move in as many days for the Steelers, coming one day after they signed outside linebacker Nick Herbig to a five-year, $103.65 million deal.

Herbig and Washington were among the five players in the final year of their contracts the Steelers targeted to sign to new deals during the offseason. Chris Boswell, who signed a new five-year, $31.12 million deal last month, was another.

The other two who have not received new deals are cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and defensive tackle Keeanu Benton. The Steelers did not think they would be able to sign all five, but so far they have reached agreement with three of the players.

Washington is one of the best blocking tight ends in the league, but he evolved as a pass-catcher last season when he had 31 receptions for 364 yards and emerged as a short-yardage favorite for Aaron Rodgers.

Earlier on Wednesday, before he signed his new deal, Washington said, “Everybody’s got a different role. So I know my role. I’m not going to sit here like I’m a pass-catcher tight end. I know I’m more on the blocking side to use the the God-given ability that God gave me.”