New Trade Scenario For Steelers' Pat Freiermuth Comes To Light

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been surrounded by trade rumors throughout the 2026 offseason. There have been several hypothetical scenarios involving key starters within the roster, like Patrick Queen, who has been speculated to be a possible trade piece for Pittsburgh. However, the seemingly crowded tight end room has been one of the latest examples of media-driven discussion. Steelers veteran tight end Pat Freiermuth hasn't escaped the rumor mill whatsoever.

Freiermuth inked a contract extension with Pittsburgh in September of 2024, which was a four-year, $48.4 million deal. It will keep him in the Steel City through the 2028 season. Freiermuth, based on that deal, is clearly a part of the team's long-term plans; but, with the emergence of Darnell Washington, it seems there may be some smoke to move on from the veteran. The problem is that Washington needs a new deal, and Freiermuth is signed for the future. 

If the Steelers wanted to move off of his contract and the productive player that he is, there would have to be a pretty sweet deal. Steelers beat writer Christopher Carter provided an ideal scenario for a trade, including Freiermuth. Carter talked about this on an episode of the North Shore Drive podcast. 

"The way I can see [a] Pat Freiermuth [trade] working is with a team like the Chiefs, like the Bears," Carter said. "If there's a team that's on the precipice of being a Super Bowl contender, winning a Super Bowl, and they think, 'We need a playmaker tight end right now, and we're willing to cough up a really good pick, a high day two pick, a late day one pick, and maybe you offer us like, a day three pick or something like that, that would be the way I would the only way I'd lose Pat Freiermuth."

The Steelers trading away Freiermuth would be unlikely, but with Washington's play and their apparent interest in Kenyon Sadiq in the draft, it's possible. The Penn State product has proven to be a consistent weapon with Pittsburgh. He had a down year in 2025 by his standards, but many blame that on usage within Arthur Smith's system. The Steelers' offense thrives when he is playing well, and a trade wouldn't make much sense. 

While stacking picks in 2027 would help the team, it would be left without a key offensive starter. It's not even a guarantee that Washington is going to come back. This would leave the franchise without a starter and force them to use draft capital on another tight end. The Steelers have a lot invested in Freiermuth, and a trade here wouldn't be smart. 

The Steelers Need To Figure Out Their Tight End Room For The Future

As long as Freiermuth isn't moved, which doesn't seem to be the case, the Steelers' tight end room will still have its two mainstays from 2025. The front office decided to cut Jonnu Smith at the start of the 2026 offseason. This left Washington, Freiermuth, and JJ Galbreath as the remaining tight ends on the roster. Despite this being a pretty solid room, it could make a drastic change in 2027 depending on Washington's decision in free agency — if he gets there. 

If Washington were to go elsewhere, it would leave a 6'7", 300-pound hole in the Steelers' roster.  He has proven to be a tenacious blocker and has become a much-improved receiver. The big target would leave Pittsburgh in a position where they would have to sign or draft another tight end. 

This would be a major move in 2027, unless they were to sign Washington to an extension. He could command some money based on his frame and upside, and it's uncertain how much Pittsburgh is willing to pay, especially with the investment they have in Freiermuth. 

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