Darnell Washington Fantasy Overview

2025 Presented Modest Growth

A 31-364-1 receiving line shouldn’t excite anyone, but it marked a second straight year of progress for Washington.

The former third-round pick has climbed from 7 catches as a 2023 rookie to 19 and then 31, while his snap share rose from 47.7% to 51.7% to 57.1%. That led Pittsburgh TEs last year, though he trailed Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith in pass routes.

Washington has also doubled his targets inside the 10-yard line for two straight years, according to Pro Football Reference. That number, though, has gone just from 1 to 2 to 4, and he drew a mere 2 end-zone targets in 2025.

2026 Contract, Coaching Change Add Intrigue

Washington earned a four-year extension ahead of the final year of his rookie contract, and the new pact’s $10.5 million annual average ranks 14th among TEs as of this writing.

That contract doesn’t guarantee Washington more target volume. Evan Engram sits just ahead of him in annual average value after ranking 15th among TEs in targets last year, Cole Kmet sits even higher after tying for 33rd, and Freiermuth ranks 10th at $12.1 million per year (through 2028).

Washington figures to remain well behind Freiermuth in opportunities, but both could play more snaps now that Jonnu Smith’s gone.

Mike McCarthy said around the time of the extension that he’ll be learning his new personnel in Year 1, but the contract clearly shows he wants Washington around. The 24-year-old still brings more value as a blocker than a receiver, though. Even in college he never topped 1.9 catches per game or 2 total TDs in a season.