The Pittsburgh Steelers have added multiple notable pieces to their offense in the first month of the new league year. They traded for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr and signed two-time 1,000-yard rusher Rico Dowdle. That said, Pittsburgh has shown it is more than willing to move off proven players, and John Kosko of PFF has labeled tight end Pat Freiermuth as Pittsburgh’s top trade candidate.
“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,” Kosko writes. “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 coming off a season that saw his snap count decrease to 51 percent of possible snaps, which is comfortably the lowest in his career. His previous career low came in 2021 when he was on the field for 62 percent of offensive snaps. In 2024, the Penn State product was on the field for 69 percent of possible offensive snaps.
Considering that Darnell Washington surpassed Freiermuth in terms of snaps played, as well as the fact that he is a far better run blocker than Freiermuth, the Steelers do find themselves in a tricky spot with their former second-round pick, who is set to carry a cap hit of $11.2 million in 2026.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
- Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell gives high praise to Steelers OC Brian Angelichio
- Steelers Mock Draft: Pittsburgh makes big trade for LB in two-round mock
- What is your favorite Steelers regular season memory?
- If Steelers target Ty Simpson, expect aggression over patience
- Why Mike McCarthy will be a net positive for the Steelers
