The Pittsburgh Steelers are making waves this offseason, and it's not just about the new faces on the coaching staff. With Mike McCarthy stepping in as head coach and an almost entirely fresh crew alongside him, GM Omar Khan is wasting no time in retooling the roster. Through strategic moves in free agency, the Steelers have addressed several key areas, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead.
Khan's proactive approach is something we've seen before. Remember last year?
He snagged DK Metcalf and later brought in Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith through trades. Now, with a hefty 12 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Steelers have options.
But could they be considering a different path this time around?
Pro Football Focus recently highlighted Pat Freiermuth as the Steelers' most valuable trade asset. The veteran tight end, a 2021 second-round pick, has consistently delivered, notching at least 60 receptions in three of his first four seasons. However, in 2025, his role diminished with the emergence of Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington.
PFF suggests that trading Freiermuth could help the Steelers bolster their offensive line or linebacker corps. Yet, this potential move might not sit well with the Steelers faithful.
Trading away Freiermuth seems counterintuitive to Pittsburgh's win-now mentality. Last season, whispers of a trade swirled around Freiermuth as he struggled to find his footing in the offense. The Steelers have already parted ways with Jonnu Smith, and with Washington coming off a stellar year, the team could lean on him more heavily.
With 12 draft picks, the Steelers have the flexibility to infuse youth into the tight end position while being mindful of the salary cap. However, given their veteran-laden roster-the second-oldest in the league-they're clearly focused on immediate success.
The likes of Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, and Jalen Ramsey aren't getting any younger, and with Aaron Rodgers potentially returning for one last hurrah, McCarthy's intentions are clear: it's time to go all in.
Losing Freiermuth, a reliable pass-catcher, could hinder their offensive firepower. The Steelers are already thin at tight end after releasing Jonnu Smith and losing Connor Heyward to the Raiders in free agency.
From a trade value perspective, moving Freiermuth might not yield the desired return. Despite being on a team-friendly contract with his guarantees settled, the market might only offer a fourth-round pick at best.
Steelers fans are eager to see Freiermuth more involved, especially with McCarthy at the helm. Trading him for minimal return would be a tough pill to swallow for those hoping to see the former second-round pick thrive in Pittsburgh's offense.