The Washington Commanders are navigating the 2026 NFL Draft with limited high-end draft capital, a situation largely influenced by their trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil. General Manager Adam Peters remains confident in that decision, though it has left the team light on assets for further trades.
Despite this, an intriguing trade rumor has surfaced, linking the Commanders to Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth-a move that raises eyebrows for several reasons.
This offseason, Washington addressed their need at tight end by signing Chig Okonkwo to a three-year, $30 million contract. Okonkwo’s addition is poised to be a game-changer for quarterback Jayden Daniels, infusing the offense with much-needed athleticism and playmaking ability.
However, Mike Moraitis of Sporting News proposed that the Commanders should pursue Freiermuth, suggesting it would enhance the unpredictability of Washington's offense and maximize Okonkwo’s potential by freeing him to play different roles.
While Freiermuth is a solid player, the rationale for this trade doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. Okonkwo’s blocking skills, particularly in the running game, are underrated.
The Commanders strategically utilize him more as a pass-catcher to leverage his dynamic abilities. Furthermore, John Bates is already one of the league's top blocking tight ends, and Ben Sinnott, a 2024 second-round pick, has shown promising blocking capabilities.
Given these factors, a trade for Freiermuth seems unlikely, especially considering what Pittsburgh might demand in return. A more plausible trade scenario would involve acquiring a cornerback, which could allow Peters to draft Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 7 overall-an outcome that could greatly benefit the team.