Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth runs a route against the New England Patriots on Sept. 21, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
John Kosko of Pro Football Focus recently named every NFL team’s most valuable trade asset. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kosko thinks tight end Pat Freiermuth has tremendous value.
“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,” Kosko wrote.
“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.”
Multiple teams actually showed interest in trading for Freiermuth, but the Steelers were not willing to part ways, according to a report by Mike DeFabo of The Athletic in early March.
“At least six teams would be interested in exploring the idea of acquiring tight end Pat Freiermuth, according to a league source,” DeFabo wrote. “However, at least right now, teams are being told he’s not available.”
Freiermuth admitted during locker room clean out day that the 2025 season was a trying year for him.
Freiermuth finished the season with 41 receptions on 53 targets for 486 yards (11.9 average) and four touchdowns. Freiermuth’s playing time dipped with the emergence of Darnell Washington and Jonnu Smith receiving snaps over him.
“I would say that I am disappointed with the lack of opportunities I was given, but at the end of the day, I’m a team player, and I was proud of myself for not making it about myself,” Freiermuth said.
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth at practice on Sept. 11, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The offense improved under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in 2025, but his personnel usage was still confusing. Especially with how he utilized Freiermuth. Arthur Smith continued to play Jonnu Smith even though he lacked chemistry with Aaron Rodgers all year.
Freiermuth hopes to be more involved moving forward.
“It’s always about the team and what we can do to win,” Freiermuth said. “I feel like I could have been in situations where I could help the team win more. But the longer I’m here, I would like to see myself involved more.”
Freiermuth also hopes Rodgers returns next season. If the four-time NFL MVP isn’t back, Freiermuth will once again have another quarterback under center.
“Pretty tough, especially as a pass-catcher,” Freiermuth said on the possibility of having a different quarterback next season. “I think it’s going to be what, 10 quarterbacks in six years? It’s pretty frustrating.”
Smith is now the OC at Ohio State, so Freiermuth will not have to worry about playing in his offense anymore. More opportunities should be on the horizon for Freiermuth in Mike McCarthy‘s West Coast offense.
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