PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers are making a big investment in tight end Darnell Washington.

FILE - Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington warms up before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Dec. 7, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, File)

FILE - Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington warms up before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Dec. 7, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, File)

The club signed the 6-foot-7, 264-pound Washington, a former Georgia Bulldog standout, to a new five-year contract that will keep him in black and gold for the rest of the decade.

Washington, who had a career-best 31 receptions for 364 yards and a touchdown last season, was about to enter the final year of the rookie contract he signed after being selected in the third round of the 2023 draft.

The deal is the second extension signed by a member of Pittsburgh's 2023 draft class this week. The team and outside linebacker Nick Herbig agreed to a five-year deal on Wednesday.

Washington, who plays well above his listed weight, often works as a sixth offensive lineman but has become increasingly involved in the passing game. First-year head coach Mike McCarthy has raved about Washington's work ethic and his potential going forward.

“Love Darnell,” McCarthy said this week. “He’s been here every day, in the classroom, good student, he’s a pro’s pro. I’ve been very impressed with him.”