Who Should I Start? Darnell Washington or Will Mallory

Wednesday, June 3, 6:07 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers and tight end Darnell Washington agreed to a four-year, $42 million contract extension on Wednesday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. The hulking 6-foot-7, 264-pounder has developed into a key piece of Pittsburgh's offense after they selected him in the third round (93rd overall) in 2023 out of the University of Georgia. Although the 24-year-old hasn't been on the fantasy football radar, outside of dynasty/keeper leagues, he could have an even bigger role with the Steelers in 2026 after both Jonnu Smith and Connor Heyward left in free agency this offseason. Washington had his best year as a pro in 2025 in Year 3 in the Steel City, catching 31 of his 43 targets for 364 yards and just one touchdown in 16 regular-season games (13 starts). Pat Freiermuth remains the better fantasy target in single-year leagues, but Washington could be a Freiermuth injury away from becoming a weekly TE option for fantasy managers.