Aaron Rodgers’ looming decision could be the domino that determines Pat Freiermuth’s future with the Pittsburgh Steelers
There is a lot of talk about a Pat Freiermuth trade, but that may be reliant on what happens at quarterback in Pittsburgh.
Here we are, a week away from the legal tampering period beginning in the NFL, and the Pittsburgh Steelers still have more questions than answers when it comes to their 2026 roster. The biggest of course, pertains to what the Steelers will do at the quarterback position.
During last week’s NFL Combine, Omar Khan told the media that the team will wait on Aaron Rodgers, but not as long as they did last year. Similar to what happened last offseason, the Steelers will have to hold up some of their plans until they know for sure who will be under center come September. That doesn’t stop the Steelers, or any team for that matter from planning for the upcoming weeks, however.
The Combine is where the infrastructure of free agency is built, and we at A to Z Sports uncovered intel on some of the biggest storylines this offseason while in Indianapolis. One story that hasn’t been widely discussed is Pat Freiemruth’s future in Pittsburgh, which came to light over the course of the week in Indy.
Teams interested in trading for Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth
Pat Freiermuth signed a contract extension before the 2024 season and is currently slated to have an $11.2 million cap hit with a March 13 roster bonus if he is still on the team by then. As of now, that looks likely, but teams are still trying nonetheless…
“At least six teams would be interested in exploring the idea of acquiring tight end Pat Freiermuth, according to a league source. However, at least right now, teams are being told he’s not available.” – Mike DeFabo, The Athletic
The reason that teams are trying to trade for Freiermuth is that the Steelers have a loaded tight end room. Darnell Washington blossomed into arguably the most reliable option at the position before suffering a broken arm, Jonnu Smith was acquired via trade last offseason, and Freiermuth was used sparingly for much of the year.
A lot of that may have come down to Arthur Smith and his decision to deploy and utilize the skillsets of Smith and Washington more often, but it could also hinge on the quarterback.
Why Aaron Rodgers may be key to Pat Freiermuth’s future with the Steelers
Right now, it’s fair to assume that Aaron Rodgers will be back with the Steelers. Omar Khan said as much during his address last week. If that’s so, then keeping all of your assets for one more run (however flawed that thinking might be) could be in store for the Steelers.
But let’s say Rodgers doesn’t return, and the Steelers feel uncomfortable allocating money or capital to the free agent and NFL Draft class. They opt instead to give Will Howard the shot many want him to get, and march into 2026 in a rebuild year. Then suddenly, those current assets (Pat Freiermuth, Jalen Ramsey, Patrick Queen, etc.) become potential future assets via picks you get back in a trade.
So while Freiermuth is a Steeler for now, and will likely remain a Steeler if and when Aaron Rodgers returns, you can bet that teams will keep calling until they know for sure.
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