Steelers' $48 Million Offensive Playmaker Set To Enter Trade Block In 2026 Offseason

The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for having an affinity for drafting and then developing players. Since Omar Khan took over the front office, there have been some slight changes to that approach, but the organization still values that way of doing things. The most recent example of this is tight end Darnell Washington. The 6'7", 275-pounder was a third-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, and has officially made his name known across the NFL. He has 18 catches for 209 yards and a touchdown through 11 weeks of the 2025 regular season, and is on pace to have his best year as a professional.

Washington has consistently out-snapped both Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith, but a lot of that has to do with the fact that Washington is on the field for the majority of run plays due to his blocking abilities. Regardless, it appears as if both Freiermuth and Smith have taken a backseat. This could drastically affect one, or both, of their futures in the Steel City.

Insider Ray Fittipaldo hosted his weekly fan chat for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Tuesday and fielded questions about the current state of the team. When someone brought up the idea of Freiermuth hanging around past the 2025 season, it was met with doubt from the reporter.

"It doesn't make much sense to keep Freiermuth if he's going to be your third tight end," Fittipaldo noted. "Certainly not at the price they're paying him. They could also move on from Jonnu Smith and feature Freiermuth along with Washington, but it does not seem like Arthur Smith wants to do that now, so why would he want to do that in the future?"

Freiermuth inked a four-year contract worth just over $48 million prior to the 2024 season. He is being paid fairly well to not be involved all that often. If Washington continues to progress and the front office wants to extend him, the former second-round pick could be traded to a new home. Fittipaldo went into more detail about the possibility.

"As long as they feel good about his knees, then yes, I would extend him," Fittipaldo wrote. "It would likely mean the end for Freiermuth or Smith. Not sure what you'd get for Freiermuth in a trade, but he might have some value."

It has taken a couple of years for Washington to emerge, but he has in a big way. With Smith under contract through the 2026 campaign, the Steelers may not blink if someone calls inquiring about Freiermuth's availability. He is the most expensive individual in the tight end room, and Washington may be ready to take a big step up within the offense.

Washington has been an under-the-radar player for Pittsburgh in recent years; however, he was all over the internet in Week 11. He made an absolutely phenomenal play that got a ton of deserved attention.

For now, the trade deadline has passed and there won't be too much talk about anyone being dealt, but Steelers fans are going to continue to watch Washington each week. If he proves to be a long-term option at tight end, Freiermuth might be playing for a new organization in 2026.

Steelers Have A Very Good Problem To Deal With At The Tight End Position

Pittsburgh is not obligated to trade any of its tight ends come the 2026 offseason. The favorable news for the franchise is that it will have the option to do so if it so chooses. Freiermuth would likely bring the most value in return, but Smith being dealt also may not be off the table. Overall, Washington has started a discussion that was never expected to be occurring prior to Thanksgiving.

Do you think that the Steelers will entertain trading Freiermuth or Smith? Let us know in the comments below!

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