Fans naturally recoil at the idea of losing their star tight end. When he catches a pass across the middle, the echoing “Muuuth” chants literally shake the steel beams of Acrisure Stadium. You can feel the cold Pittsburgh air vibrating with energy in those moments. But football is a ruthless business, and PFF lead analyst John Kosko brings the cold, hard numbers to the table.
Freiermuth quietly posted a 67.4 PFF overall grade and a solid 68.5 receiving grade during the 2025 campaign. He hauled in 41 receptions for 486 yards and 4 touchdowns last season, proving his worth as a reliable safety blanket. He blocks. He catches. He grinds. That dual-threat capability, paired with a highly team-friendly contract, turns him into premium bait for a tight-end needy contender.
“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… providing steady production as both a blocker and pass catcher on a team-friendly contract.”
— John Kosko, Pro Football Focus
You watched the 2025 season. You saw the pocket collapse under pressure. The Steelers’ front office cannot ignore the glaring holes at tackle and center. Moving a prime asset like Freiermuth opens the door to acquire top-100 draft capital or an immediate starter on the offensive line. Here is exactly why a trade makes sense right now:
Replacing Freiermuth wouldn’t be simple. Washington offers elite blocking power but lacks the route-running polish to consistently command double teams. Still, trading the starting tight end forces opposing defenses to respect a revamped run game built behind a beefed-up offensive line. This potential move signals a massive shift in offensive philosophy heading into the 2026-2027 season. The front office is prioritizing protection over targets.
Will Khan pull the trigger? The draft board and free agency wire will dictate the next move. But one thing is absolutely certain: Pittsburgh is open for business, and nobody is untouchable if it means getting back to the Super Bowl.
