NFL analyst Gregg Rosenthal has floated Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth as a potential trade candidate following his underwhelming 2025 season. Freiermuth caught just 41 passes for 486 yards and four touchdowns amid reduced playing time. Rosenthal highlighted his tradeable contract and prime age as factors that could attract interest from other teams.
Pat Freiermuth entered the 2025 season with high expectations for the Pittsburgh Steelers, particularly given the team's limited wide receiver depth and new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's history of utilizing tight ends heavily. However, Freiermuth experienced one of his worst NFL seasons, recording 41 receptions for 486 yards and four touchdowns.
Analyst Gregg Rosenthal discussed Freiermuth's situation on his NFL Daily podcast, noting the tight end's limited involvement. “Pat Freiermuth, they barely played him last year,” Rosenthal said. “He’s due $9.1 million in total compensation this season. He has an extremely tradeable contract. Maybe Mike McCarthy has a different vision for him. That could absolutely happen… He didn’t seem to fit with Rodgers for whatever reason. And I actually think he would have a market… He seems like one that stands out to me because he’s in the middle of his prime. He’s a solid player, but maybe he’s not a fit there anymore.”
Freiermuth's reduced role was evident as he was often out-snapped by teammates Darnell Washington and Jonnu Smith. Washington contributed significantly to the running game and improved as a pass catcher, while Smith's involvement appeared tied to his prior work with Smith, who had coached him at previous teams. Despite this, Freiermuth showed flashes of productivity, including a five-catch, 111-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Cincinnati Bengals on October 17, 2025.
The Steelers' offensive struggles under Arthur Smith contributed to Freiermuth's diminished usage, though there was no apparent lack of chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Smith has since been dismissed as offensive coordinator, and Jonnu Smith is considered a likely cut candidate. Freiermuth has expressed a desire to remain with Pittsburgh, and with the team holding ample draft capital, trading him now may not yield optimal value. At 27 years old, he remains a solid player in his prime, but his future with the Steelers depends on the new coaching regime's plans.