Darnell Washington has quickly become one of the most talked-about tight ends in the NFL. Known for his imposing size and rare athleticism, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ standout is carving out a unique path in professional football. From contract details to personal life and combine metrics, here’s a complete breakdown of everything fans want to know about Darnell Washington.
Darnell Washington Contract Details
Darnell Washington signed his rookie contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers after being selected in the third round (93rd overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft. His deal is a four-year contract valued at approximately $5.35 million, including a signing bonus of roughly $893,752, with that amount fully guaranteed. His contract runs through the 2026 season, and Washington earns an average annual value (AAV) of around $1.33 million.
As with most third-round picks, Washington’s contract follows the NFL’s rookie wage scale, giving him both financial security early in his career and the opportunity to earn a more lucrative deal if his performance continues to rise.
Personal Life: Wife & Family
Outside of football, Darnell Washington keeps his personal life relatively private. He is married to Estefany Washington, and the couple often share moments together on social media. Estefany frequently appears alongside Darnell at key events and supportive posts, helping fans get a glimpse of the tight end’s life off the field.
While specific details about their relationship remain low-profile, the support from Estefany plays a quiet but meaningful role in Washington’s life as he grows into his NFL career.
40 Yard Dash & Combine Performance
One of the defining features of Darnell Washington’s profile is his elite athleticism, especially for a player his size. At the 2023 NFL Combine, Washington ran an impressive 4.64-second 40-yard dash — an outstanding time for a tight end with a 6-foot-7, 264-pound frame.
Beyond the 40-yard dash, Washington also posted:
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10-foot-2 broad jump
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31-inch vertical jump
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4.08 20-yard shuttle (best among tight ends)
These metrics showcased his rare blend of size, speed, and agility — traits that helped elevate his draft stock during scouting evaluations.
Career Highlights & On-Field Performance
Since joining the Steelers, Darnell Washington has steadily developed as a multi-dimensional player. Here are some of his key career highlights:
NFL Career Stats & Breakthrough
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2023 Rookie Season: Washington appeared in all 17 games, recording 7 receptions for 61 yards while also establishing himself as a physical blocker.
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2024 Season: He scored his first NFL touchdown, displaying improvement as a receiving weapon and finishing the year with 19 catches for 200 yards and a touchdown.
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2025 Season: Washington continued his role as a key tight end, posting 23 receptions for 288 yards and 1 touchdown (as of late in the 2025 season).
Nicknamed “Mount Washington”
Due to his towering stature and strong blocking ability, Steelers fans and media have affectionately dubbed him “Mount Washington.” His presence on the field adds both a physical edge in the run game and a big-target option in the passing attack.
Versatility & Growth
Coaches and analysts praise Washington for his versatility. While initially seen primarily as a blocker, he’s expanded his route tree and pass-catching role, hinting at a promising future if his offensive involvement continues to grow.
Final Thoughts
Darnell Washington represents the modern NFL tight end: massive in size, explosive in movement, and capable of impacting multiple phases of the game. From his rookie contract with the Steelers to his standout 40-yard dash and highlight-worthy plays, Washington’s career trajectory is one to watch. As he continues to refine his skills, both his on-field production and off-field story will keep fans and analysts talking.
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