Washington

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are making a big investment in tight end Darnell Washington.

The club signed the 6-foot-7, 264-pound Washington to a new five-year contract that will keep him in black and gold for the rest of the decade.

Washington, who had a career-best 31 receptions for 364 yards and a touchdown last season, was about to enter the final year of the rookie contract he signed after being selected in the third round of the 2023 draft.

The deal is the second extension signed by a member of Pittsburgh’s 2023 draft class this week. The team and outside linebacker Nick Herbig agreed to a five-year deal on Wednesday.

Washington, who plays well above his listed weight, often works as a sixth offensive lineman but has become increasingly involved in the passing game. First-year head coach Mike McCarthy has raved about Washington’s work ethic and his potential going forward.

“Love Darnell,” McCarthy said this week. “He’s been here every day, in the classroom, good student, he’s a pro’s pro. I’ve been very impressed with him.”

Reunited

According to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, former Green Bay Packers tight end Robert Tonyan agreed to a one-year deal to play for the Steelers this seaosn.

Tonyan, who was at Steelers mini-camp this week, caught 11 touchdown passes in 2020 from then Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

He played in 107 games with the Packers, Bears, Vikings and Chiefs.

At 32, Tonyan was one of five players at camp this week trying out for the team. A corresponding roster move was made with the release of tight end Chamon Metayer.

Veteran help

The Steelers signed veteran linebacker Jamin Davis to their 90-man offseason roster on Thursday after a successful minicamp tryout.

Davis, a former 2021 first-round draft pick, has played for Washington, Minnesota and Las Vegas. The deal was reported as a one-year contract.

The Commanders drafted Davis originally in the first round.