Darnell Washington, Steelers Reportedly Agree to $42M Contract Extension, Details Revealed

The Pittsburgh Steelers and tight end Darnell Washington have reached an agreement on a four-year, $42 million extension, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, who provided more information.

The 6'7", 264-pound Washington, who turns 25 years old on Aug. 17, has played three NFL seasons. He caught 31 passes for 364 yards and one touchdown on 43 targets last year.

The Steelers' front office has been busy this week. On Tuesday, Pittsburgh signed linebacker Nick Herbig to a four-year, $100 million extension ($42 million guaranteed), per ESPN's Brooke Pryor.

Both Herbig and Washington were entering the final years of their respective rookie deals, but it's clear the Steelers see them in their long-term plans.

As for Washington, the door is open for him to take a bigger role in the offense. Last year, he, Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth all saw time at tight end. Smith and Freiermuth had 54 targets apiece, but Smith is now a free agent.

Washington is a massive target for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and it's certainly conceivable his production and target share increases with greater opportunities.

However, as one can imagine, Washington's massive size is a huge asset as a blocker as well. The Steelers will continue to benefit from that going forward.

Pittsburgh went 10-7 last year and won the AFC North, but the Steelers enter a new era with head coach Mike Tomlin stepping down after 19 years and Mike McCarthy taking over. Week 1 is Sept. 13 vs. the Atlanta Falcons at home.