It seems that tight end Darnell Washington will be staying with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the foreseeable future. He just signed a $21 million guaranteed four-year contract extension worth $42 million, giving Aaron Rodgers a viable option to pass to this season.
He had 31 receiving yards on 43 targets last season, with 364 receiving yards, which means he averaged 11.7 yards per reception last season, with one touchdown scored. While he had not been a top player for the Steelers last season, he was still rewarded mightily with that contract extension, and fans had some mixed reactions to how much money he is getting.
“Everybody saying overpay clearly doesn’t knowball. Yes as of right now this is a lot of money but the cap is going up in the next couple of years This contract is going to be worth it.” one supporter noted.
“he has to leave the steelers, they’re wasting his receiving capabilities,” said one fan.
“Holy overpay for a glorified tackle,” said another person.
“I like the guy, but it just shows you how much stupid money the NFL has,” added one critic.
“For the casuals: Charlie Kolar and Josh Oliver are blocking TEs making $8M AAV, this is a fair deal, Darnell is considerably better than both as a blocker and receiver. Only $2.5M more on an AAV basis than 2 players he is clearly better than.” commented one fan.
“Four years, $42 M and still no number 42 on his jersey, guess they’re keeping the 90 for good luck.” another person noted.
Aaron Rodgers Vouched For Darnell Washington
Darnell Washington is primarily a blocking tight end, though with Aaron Rodgers, he started shining as a receiving tight end. When there were calls for him to change positions to become a left tackle, it was Aaron Rodgers himself who vouched for him to stay as TE.
“He’s definitely in the right position,” he said last season. “Because he’s so big and so athletic for a man of that size. To be that skilled in the passing game is pretty impressive, not to mention what he does on the line of scrimmage.”
Rodgers has been supportive of Darnell Washington throughout last season, often complementing his growth as a player and calling him smart and faster than what most people thought.
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