Steelers Now
A former NFL general manager believes the Pittsburgh Steelers could move on from one of their talented tight ends.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the most talented tight end rooms in the NFL with the likes of Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward. However, a former NFL general manager thinks they could soon move on from one of them.
“I don’t know what’s going on with Freiermuth,” the GM told Andrew Fillipponi of Pittsburgh’s 93.7 The Fan. “A team would definitely trade for him like the Commanders or Rams. I think the Steelers could get a 3rd or 4th for him.”
Former NFL GM: "I don't know what's going on with Freiermuth. A team would definitely trade for him like the Commanders or Rams. I think the Steelers could get a 3rd or 4th for him."
Should the Steelers trade Pat Freiermuth? pic.twitter.com/vMFmK5DcbV
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) October 9, 2025
Freiermuth has had a very disappointing start to his 2025 campaign. Through the first four games of the season, he has recorded just seven catches for 65 yards and zero touchdowns, putting him on pace to have the worst statistical season of his NFL career.
That’s nowhere close to the type of production the Steelers are paying Freiermuth for after signing him to a four-year, $48.4 million contract extension last offseason.
There’s still plenty of time for Freiermuth and quarterback Aaron Rodgers to build better rapport, but the two have struggled to do just that during the early portions of the season.
Pittsburgh has done very little to help with that development, too. In Week 4, Freiermuth logged just 15 snaps while backup tight ends Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward combined for 64.
If Freiermuth is unable to turn things around by the time the NFL trade deadline arrives, the Steelers could very well consider moving on from him, especially if they can net a Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh has been stockpiling picks in next year’s draft with the intent to land its next franchise quarterback and every extra bit of ammo will help the team to do just that.
However, if the Steelers also believe they can be true Super Bowl contenders, moving on from Freiermuth would make little sense.
A second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Freiermuth has 227 receptions for 2,255 yards and 18 touchdowns in his professional career.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Former NFL GM Tabs Steelers TE as Trade Deadline Candidate
