One analyst believes it's possible the Pittsburgh Steelers could trade one of their tight ends, and if that turns out to be the case, the Washington Commanders, Denver Broncos and New England Patriots could all come calling.
That tight end, according to Pro Football Focus' John Kosko, is tight end Pat Freiermuth, who was the subject of trade speculation earlier this offseason.
And for good reason — the Steelers puzzlingly didn't utilize Freiermuth much in 2025 despite the team desperately needing more pass-catcher help.
The lack of utilization of Freiermuth was a major indictment on now-former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
Here's more from Kosko about Freiermuth being a trade candidate and valuable trade asset for Pittsburgh:
The Steelers have a reliable, every-down tight end in Pat Freiermuth, but more pressing needs along the offensive line as they try to remain competitive. Freiermuth earned a 67.4 PFF overall grade and a 68.5 PFF receiving grade in 2025, providing steady production as both a blocker and pass catcher on a team-friendly contract.
His well-rounded skill set makes him an appealing option for teams in need of a tight end. Trading Freiermuth could allow Pittsburgh to recoup draft capital to address the left side of the offensive line or add help at linebacker.
Freiermuth is indeed a good all-around tight end, as he's a strong blocker and plus pass-catcher, as evidenced by his two seasons north of 600 receiving yards.
If he becomes available, several teams would likely have interest.
Why Commanders, Broncos, Patriots could have interest
The Commanders have already made a sizeable investment at tight end with Chig Okonkwo, but the former Tennessee Titans fourth-round pick does not offer much as a blocker and the rest of the Washington's tight ends offer zero as receivers.
Having someone like Freiermuth would help make Washington's offense even less predictable while also freeing Okonkwo up to line up in different spots in order to maximize his elite athleticism as a playmaker.
The Broncos have a similar situation at tight end. Evan Engram isn't a good blocker and Denver could use a more well-rounded tight end like Freiermuth to keep opponents guessing.
In New England, we know offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is a fan of having two dual-threat tight ends. He has one in Hunter Henry, but nobody else fits the bill on the depth chart. Freiermuth would check that box.
Would the Steelers trade Freiermuth?
We don't see it happening.
Trading Freiermuth would leave the Steelers very short at tight end. They also have Darnell Washington, but the Steelers cut Jonnu Smith loose, which cut into their depth at the position.
It's also a different coaching staff at the helm of the offense in 2026, and we would hope that Mike McCarthy and Co. learned from the blunders of Smith and former head coach Mike Tomlin.
Unless the Steelers take a swing on a young tight end with a high pick in the 2026 NFL draft, there is no scenario where we can envision Freiermuth not playing in Pittsburgh this coming season.
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