Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington has had plenty going on away from the field lately, and the latest news came from his family.
Washington and his wife, Estefany, first shared on Instagram on June 3 - the same day his four-year, $42 million extension with the Steelers was announced - that they were expecting a baby boy. Estefany later confirmed on her Instagram story on September 16 that their son has arrived, which helps explain Washington’s recent absence from practice.
The off-field update comes as Washington continues to carve out his role in Pittsburgh’s offense. He doesn’t usually fill up the stat sheet, but his value shows up in ways that matter to the Steelers every week.
After a 2025 season in which he posted a career-best 364 yards and a touchdown, Washington opened the new year with two catches for 18 yards in Pittsburgh’s Week 1 win over the Atlanta Falcons. His first grab went for three yards in the flat with 1:42 remaining in the third quarter.
The second was the one that stood out, a 15-yard gain on 3rd-and-3 with 2:35 left and the Steelers ahead 20-13. After the catch, Washington stiff-armed safety Xavier Watts and powered his way to a first down to help close out the game.
He also did what he does best as a blocker, finishing the game with a strong all-around effort across 43 offensive snaps.
Washington remains one of the league’s more unusual tight ends because of his size, blocking ability and growth as a pass-catcher.
Pat Freiermuth, meanwhile, made his mark in the opener. After a 2025 season that produced 486 yards and four touchdowns in his first chance to work with Aaron Rodgers, he turned in a stronger showing against Atlanta with five catches for 46 yards and a score.
Freiermuth is not known for his blocking, but his athleticism and versatility give Pittsburgh another dangerous piece in the passing game, with room for more. The Steelers’ tight end duo looks different in style, but that contrast is exactly what makes Washington and Freiermuth such a compelling pair at the position.
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