Quick Read
- The Steelers are weighing a difficult contract extension for Darnell Washington due to concerns over his injury history and the new coaching staff’s valuation.
- The team is prioritizing an extension for edge rusher Nick Herbig, targeting a three-year, $45 million deal to secure his future in Pittsburgh.
- Draft-day strategy remains a point of contention, with analysts warning the team against redundant selections at edge rusher and high-risk picks at quarterback.
PITTSBURGH (Azat TV) – The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a high-stakes stretch of the 2026 offseason, with general manager Omar Khan facing pivotal decisions that will define the team’s competitiveness in the AFC North. As the organization prepares for the upcoming NFL Draft, internal pressure is mounting regarding the long-term value of key roster pieces and the necessity of addressing the team’s persistent quarterback instability.
Contract Extensions and Roster Uncertainty
The front office is currently evaluating the future of tight end Darnell Washington. Despite his reputation as a formidable run-blocker, insider Mark Kaboly has raised concerns that the Steelers’ new coaching staff may view Washington differently than the previous regime. Beyond the coaching transition, Washington’s injury history—specifically documented chronic knee issues—has created hesitation regarding a lucrative second contract. The situation is further complicated by the recent market-setting deal for Charlie Kolar with the Los Angeles Chargers, leaving the Steelers to determine if they can justify a significant investment in a player who has functioned primarily as a secondary option.
Simultaneously, the team is prioritizing an extension for edge rusher Nick Herbig, who has emerged as a cornerstone of the defense. Sources indicate the organization views Herbig as a long-term priority, with a potential three-year, $45 million deal discussed as a reasonable benchmark to secure his services before he reaches unrestricted free agency.
Draft Strategy and Potential Pitfalls
As the draft approaches, the Steelers are aggressively scouting talent, recently hosting UConn wide receiver Skyler Bell for a visit. Bell, who recorded 152 receptions over the last two seasons, is viewed as a high-upside target who could provide the speed necessary to bolster the offense. However, the organization is also being warned against potential draft-day errors. Critics have pointed to worst-case scenarios, such as drafting edge rushers—a position where the team already possesses significant depth—or reaching for quarterbacks like Garrett Nussmeier, who struggled with consistency during the 2025 season.
The confluence of these contract deliberations and draft-day risks highlights a precarious transition period for the Steelers, where the team’s ability to maintain a playoff-caliber roster relies heavily on avoiding redundant investments and finally securing a long-term solution at the quarterback position.