Omar Khan was bombarded by questions from the media on Tuesday ahead of the NFL Combine. To no surprise, the Pittsburgh Steelers general manager fielded inquiries regarding the status of Aaron Rodgers, the salary cap, and the NFL Draft. But one player who was also mentioned was Darnell Washington.
Washington, a third-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, had a breakout season in 2025 before his campaign ended late in the year with a shoulder injury. The big tight end confirmed in November that he was playing at 311 pounds. His impact on the field was felt both as a blocker and a receiver.
Khan is well aware of his value to the team.
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80)
When asked about Washington at the NFL Combine, Khan gushed over the big tight end with a comment nobody saw coming.
“I’ll take twenty Darnell Washingtons,” Khan said via Mark Kaboly.
Omar Khan made it clear that the Pittsburgh Steelers want to keep TE Darnell Washington long term
Khan’s comments are an encouraging sign for Darnell’s future with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Entering a contract year, it was initially unclear whether the team would pursue a contract extension with their big-bodied tight end.
Early in the 2026 offseason, the Steelers had a major coaching overhaul. Mike Tomlin waved goodbye to the organization after 19 seasons, and long-time NFL head coach Mike McCarthy has taken his place. McCarthy made it clear that he will run the offense, and we know that he likes to operate his West Coast offense with high percentages of 11 personnel.
This caused some to question Washington’s fit on the Steelers for the 2026 season and beyond. As McCarthy historically has used three wide receivers, one tight end, and one running back on the field as his main personnel grouping, how would Washington fit? Would Pat Freiermuth regain his role as the primary tight end in Pittsburgh?
Though Khan didn’t speak on Freiermuth’s expected role for the 2026 season, it’s obvious that his opinion of Washington is through the roof. This was one of Khan’s first draft picks as general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he’s not going to let him walk away willingly.
Khan alluded to the fact that the Steelers want to retain their own players on contract extensions. As far as what that will look like is anyone’s guess.
In terms of receiving production, Washington doesn’t have much. The 6’7” tight end has been used in the ‘Y’ position primarily as an inline blocker. As a result, he has just 57 receptions for 625 yards and two touchdowns in his first three seasons.
But Khan knows is value stretches far behind his modest receiving production.
Still just 24 years old, Washington is only scratching the surface of his potential, and his best years should be ahead of him. It might be a bit of hyperbole for Omar Khan to say he’d take twenty Darnell Washingtons, but this 2023 draft pick has the talent to play multiple positions on offense, and he’s too imposing not to be on the field at all times.
