Steelers Look To Have Struck Gold With Darnell Washington Investment Already

After Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan made the financial decision to extend both 2023 draft picks Nick Herbig and Darnell Washington within days of each other, plenty of people around the league took notice. The initial reaction from some was surprise because neither player is currently a full-time starter. But once the details settled in, many began to see the bigger picture. These deals have the potential to look like tremendous value for the Steelers a few years from now.

Herbig is just 24 years old and currently serves as the team's third edge rusher behind TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. Despite not having a starting role, every time Herbig has stepped onto the field, he has found a way to make splash plays. Whether it's getting after the quarterback, forcing turnovers, or bringing energy to the defense, he consistently produces when given opportunities. Khan clearly wanted to make sure the Steelers didn't risk losing a young pass rusher entering his prime years. If Herbig continues developing at his current pace, Pittsburgh could end up saving a significant amount of money compared to what he might have commanded on the open market.

Washington's extension was another move that generated discussion. The massive tight end signed a four-year, $42 million extension that includes $21 million guaranteed. On the surface, some fans may look at that number and wonder why the Steelers are investing so heavily in a player who has yet to put up elite receiving numbers. However, Washington is still only scratching the surface of his potential and has already established himself as one of the best blocking tight ends in football.

The reality is that both extensions are examples of Khan betting on young talent before the market has a chance to drive the price even higher. Yes, the Steelers spent a lot of money now, but they may have effectively saved themselves even more down the road. For Washington specifically, Steelers fans will need to keep an eye on how future tight end contracts reshape the market. 

Steelers Learn Something Critical Regarding Washington's Price In Jacksonville

NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported on Wednesday that the Jacksonville Jaguars had agreed to a contract extension with young tight end Brenton Strange. 

"The Jaguars and standout TE Brenton Strange have agreed to terms on a 3-year extension worth up to $48M, with $25M guaranteed per his agents Jim Ivler, JR Roggio, and Jon Perzley," Pelissero said.

Strange is 25 years old, while Washington is just 24. The good news for Steelers fans is that this deal now provides a baseline for evaluating Washington's extension. When you break down the annual averages, Washington will earn $10.5 million per year on his new contract, while Strange will make $16 million annually.

If you compare the two players based on production, upside, and overall talent, there's a strong argument that Washington is the more coveted player. He's one of the most unique tight ends in football because of his combination of size, athleticism, and elite blocking ability. While Strange is a solid player in his own right, Washington offers traits that very few players at the position possess.

If this is where the tight end market is headed, then Khan may have worked his magic once again. Washington's contract is already starting to look like a steal. The same could ultimately be true for Herbig's extension as more young pass rushers around the league sign new deals and continue driving up the market.

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