Falcons' Latest Decision Just Changed The Steelers' Trade Market For Key Player

There is plenty of debate surrounding the direction the Pittsburgh Steelers will take now that Mike Tomlin is no longer in town. After 19 seasons as head coach, Tomlin decided to step down following the 2025 season, closing one of the most consistent coaching tenures in NFL history. With that chapter complete, Steelers fans are eager to see what the Mike McCarthy era will look like in Pittsburgh.

At 62 years old and with 18 seasons of NFL head coaching experience, including 13 with the Green Bay Packers and five with the Dallas Cowboys, McCarthy brings both credibility and a clear vision to the Steel City. He inherits a roster that is not built for a teardown in his mind, and early signs suggest the organization agrees.

McCarthy’s first major decisions came when he assembled his coaching staff, which offered fans an early glimpse into the team’s direction. The message was clear. The Steelers are still trying to win now. This is not a full rebuild, but rather a continuation of the retooling process that has been underway since the 2023 season, as long-time Steelers insider Mark Kaboly has previously noted. That retooling effort may have just gotten easier for Steelers General Manager Omar Khan thanks to a recent move by the Atlanta Falcons. 

According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Falcons General Manager Ian Cunningham made the choice to plan to use the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts. While that decision impacts Atlanta first, it also has ripple effects across the league, including in Pittsburgh.

By tagging Pitts, the Falcons remove one of the most talented tight ends from the free agent market. That immediately shrinks the pool of premium options available to tight end needy teams. For the Steelers, that matters because Pat Freiermuth remains a potential trade asset, whether Pittsburgh ultimately decides to move him or not.

With Pitts off the board, the remaining notable tight ends available are aging veterans. Travis Kelce is 36 years old and has openly hinted at retirement. David Njoku is 29, soon to be 30 years old and is coming off an injury filled 2025 season. Dallas Goedert and Zach Ertz are also veterans who may offer short-term production, but little long-term upside. In contrast, Freiermuth is 27 years old and under contract through the 2028 season, making him one of the younger and more affordable high end options at the position.

Steelers' Omar Khan Likely To Be Fielding Phone Calls Soon

That combination of age, contract control, and untapped potential could make Freiermuth especially attractive to teams that believe they can unlock more from him in a new system. As a result, Khan may soon find himself fielding increased interest from teams looking for a long term answer at tight end. 

Whether the Steelers choose to capitalize on that interest or keep Freiermuth as part of McCarthy’s vision, the Falcons’ decision has undeniably strengthened Pittsburgh’s position in the trade market.

Entering the 2025 season, many expected Freiermuth to break out with Aaron Rodgers leading the offense. With uncertainty at wide receiver, the opportunity was there for Freiermuth to become a primary target. That connection, however, never fully developed.

Freiermuth finished the season with 41 receptions for 486 yards and four touchdowns. Solid production, but far below expectations given his talent and the situation around him. What felt like a prime chance for a 1,000-yard season instead became another year of untapped potential.

Now the Steelers face a decision. Freiermuth is still young and under contract, but questions remain about his long term role in Pittsburgh. Whether he becomes a cornerstone in the McCarthy era or a trade asset, his future is now one of the more intriguing storylines for the franchise.

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