Washington’s receptions have increased each of the past two seasons, and his big new contract signals that he’ll play an important role in Pittsburgh for at least the near future. But he’ll need to prove that he’s fantasy relevant before you should consider him an option.
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Darnell Washington's Preseason Player Analysis
Draft Sharks Verdict
2026 Role & Results
2025 Presented Modest Growth
A 31-364-1 receiving line shouldn’t excite anyone, but it marked a second straight year of progress for Washington.
The former third-round pick has climbed from 7 catches as a 2023 rookie to 19 and then 31, while his snap share rose from 47.7% to 51.7% to 57.1%. That led Pittsburgh TEs last year, though he trailed Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith in pass routes.
Washington has also doubled his targets inside the 10-yard line for two straight years, according to Pro Football Reference. That number, though, has gone just from 1 to 2 to 4, and he drew a mere 2 end-zone targets in 2025.
2026 Contract, Coaching Change Add Intrigue
Washington earned a four-year extension ahead of the final year of his rookie contract, and the new pact’s $10.5 million annual average ranks 14th among TEs as of this writing.
That contract doesn’t guarantee Washington more target volume. Evan Engram sits just ahead of him in annual average value after ranking 15th among TEs in targets last year, Cole Kmet sits even higher after tying for 33rd, and Freiermuth ranks 10th at $12.1 million per year (through 2028).
Washington figures to remain well behind Freiermuth in opportunities, but both could play more snaps now that Jonnu Smith’s gone.
Mike McCarthy said around the time of the extension that he’ll be learning his new personnel in Year 1, but the contract clearly shows he wants Washington around. The 24-year-old still brings more value as a blocker than a receiver, though. Even in college he never topped 1.9 catches per game or 2 total TDs in a season.
Advanced Stats
- 40 Yard Dash
- 4.6
- 40 Yard Dash Rank
- 84
- Burst Score
- 115.3
- Burst Score Rank
- 39
- SPARQ-x
- 122
- SPARQ-x Rank
- 89
- Speed Score
- 117.8
- Speed Score Rank
- 96
- Catch Radius
- 10.3
- Catch Radius Rank
- 95
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What's the Darnell Washington Extension Mean for Pittsburgh's New Offense?
What's the Darnell Washington Extension Mean for Pittsburgh's New Offense?
The Steelers have agreed to a four-year extension with TE Darnell Washington worth $42 million, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, with $21 million of that guaranteed. Washington’s heading into his fourth season after arriving as a third-round pick in 2023. It’ll be his first under a new coaching staff, however, headed by Mike McCarthy. The extension puts Washington under contract with Pittsburgh through 2030, which would be his age-29 season.
Another Blocking TE: Riley Nowakowski Goes To the Steelers
Another Blocking TE: Riley Nowakowski Goes To the Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Indiana TE Riley Nowakowski in Round 5 of the NFL Draft. Nowakowski was an in-line blocker and safety valve for QB Fernando Mendoza this season at Indiana. Among the 27 TEs who attended the NFL Combine, Nowakowski ranked 15th in receiving yard market share (13.7%) and 11th in yards per team pass attempt (1.25). He also ranked ninth in yards per route run (1.68).
Darnell Washington Has Broken Arm
Darnell Washington Has Broken Arm
Steelers TE Darnell Washington broke his arm in Sunday's loss to the Browns, HC Mike Tomlin said afterward. That'll keep Washington from playing in Week 18's must-win game vs. the Ravens. And he'll likely miss all of the playoffs if Pittsburgh gets there. Washington's absence should mean more snaps for TEs Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith.
Darnell Washington Hurts Forearm
Darnell Washington Hurts Forearm
Steelers TE Darnell Washington is questionable to return to Sunday's game vs. the Browns with a forearm injury. Pittsburgh is already down WRs D.K. Metcalf and Calvin Austin today. We'll update Washington's status when we know more.
Update: Washington has been ruled out.
Darnell Washington Cleared For Week 15
Darnell Washington Cleared For Week 15
Steelers TE Darnell Washington has cleared concussion protocol and will play vs. the Dolphins on Monday night, the team announced. He'll continue splitting snaps with TEs Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith. Those guys are only in play in one-game daily contests.
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