Sports

Darnell Washington's payday signals there will be changes in Mike McCarthy's offensive scheme

By Christopher Carter, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette The Tribune Content Agency

June 10, 2026 3:42 PM

Darnell Washington's new contract means he will be a big part of Mike McCarthy's offense.

The Steelers have invested in the unique skill set of Washington, who is listed at 6 feet 7 and says he weighs 311 pounds. He is already one of the NFL's best blocking tight ends and might have untapped potential as a receiving threat.

"He's a complete wide tight end," McCarthy said Tuesday. "I've been so impressed with him. To have a tight end that can line up next to the tackle and block a defensive end, that's not the norm in the last couple of decades in the National Football League. He gives you the ability to play under-center offense the way it was played in the '90s."

Last week, the Steelers signed Washington to a four-year extension with $42 million to be paid in those new years. They were already financially invested in fellow tight end Pat Freiermuth, who is the second year of the four-year extension he signed in 2024. Their combined salary cap hits could top $25 million in 2027.

McCarthy's offenses in Dallas deployed three-receiver sets the majority of the time. But asked this week during OTAs how the big contracts for two tight ends could impact how he likes to call offense, he suggested he will be flexible.

"I look at offense really in three categories," McCarthy said. "You have two-back offense, one-back offense and no-back offense. Your personnel usually is dictated based on your roster."

He added, "We definitely got some tight ends that I'm looking forward to working with."

Washington seems happy about his role in the Steelers' new offense. He said he doesn't want to "act like a pass catcher" when he knows his blocking skills are part of his "God-given ability." But he is excited to potentially be more of a receiving threat in McCarthy's offense.

"It helps open up the route tree for me," Washington said. "Coach trusts me to run whatever Pat runs."

Last season, Washington set career highs with 43 targets, 31 catches and 364 receiving yards. But Washington wants more for himself in all aspects of his game, which is why he watches film of both tight ends and offensive tackles.

While the highest-paid tight ends in the NFL are primarily receiving threats, such as Trey McBride and Kyle Pitts, more teams are incorporating blocking tight ends.

The Buffalo Bills used Jackson Hawes on 534 offensive snaps last season - not far behind Freiermuth's 561 or Washington's 546 for the Steelers. And while Colby Parkinson was the Los Angeles Rams' primary receiving tight end, Davis Allen was a regular blocker in their rushing attack.

"When offenses can run the ball, it opens up play action and the pass," Washington said. "I think every offense should have one of each [type of tight end]."

Last season, the Steelers were twice as likely to run the ball when Washington was on the field than when he wasn't on the field, per SumerSports.

"It's awesome to have Darnell," starting guard Mason McCormick said. "He's basically an extension of the O-line. Obviously, he's a good receiver, too."

Now, with a new coach and a new contract, Washington's role could expand.

"He's been here every single day in the offseason program," McCarthy said. "He's been a pro. His attention to detail in the meetings - he doesn't say a whole lot, but I've been impressed with his work ethic. He's a matchup problem in the pass game, especially in the red zone [and] third-down situations."