Story perspectives

Steelers Extend Washington $42M, Herbig $100M Deal.

6/4/2026

Summary

Steelers Extend Washington

The Pittsburgh Steelers gave tight end Darnell Washington a four-year, $42 million extension with $21 million guaranteed through 2030.
Washington posted 31 catches for 364 yards and one touchdown this season.
Outside linebacker Nick Herbig signed a four-year, $100 million extension, becoming the first 2023 draftee to re-sign.
The Steelers hope to retain picks like second-rounder Joey Porter Jr. after declining Broderick Jones’s option.

Summary

Washington Becomes Core

Washington featured on 497-543 snaps each season in Pittsburgh’s multi-tight-end offense.
In 2025 he recorded 31 receptions for 364 yards, one touchdown on 43 targets.
The free-agency exits of Jonnu Smith and Connor Heyward leave Pat Freiermuth as Washington’s main competition.
Drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, he is now a central piece of the Steelers’ versatile tight-end scheme.

Summary

Washington Signs

Washington signed a four-year, $42 million extension negotiated by Agent Perrett M of Priority Sports.
The deal makes him the NFL’s highest-paid blocking tight end at $10.5 million per year.
It raises the Steelers’ payroll to include two of the league’s top-12 highest-paid tight ends, highlighting a positional investment trend.
Including the extension, Washington’s total earnings over five seasons rise to $45.674 million, reflecting the franchise’s long-term commitment.

Summary

Washington Re-signs

Washington's deal is the Steelers' third spring extension, following kicker Chris Boswell and edge rusher Nick Herbig.
The club also plans to re-sign defensive end Joey Porter Jr., defensive tackle Keeanu Benton, and safety Spencer Anderson soon.
Pat Freiermuth's three-year remaining contract pairs with Washington's extension to lock in the tight end unit.
Coach Mike McCarthy described Washington as a “good student” and a “pro’s pro” during minicamp.

History

Historical Context

After the NFL introduced a $33.8 million salary cap in 1994, teams reshaped contracts to fit positional budgets. The Steelers, following that cap-era logic, signed rookie tight end Eric Green in 1995 and now, under head coach Mike McCarthy, granted Darnell Washington a four-year, $42 million extension through 2030, cementing a long-term blocking tight end strategy.

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Steelers Extend Washington

The Pittsburgh Steelers gave tight end Darnell Washington a four-year, $42 million extension with $21 million guaranteed through 2030.
Washington posted 31 catches for 364 yards and one touchdown this season.
Outside linebacker Nick Herbig signed a four-year, $100 million extension, becoming the first 2023 draftee to re-sign.
The Steelers hope to retain picks like second-rounder Joey Porter Jr. after declining Broderick Jones’s option.

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