Steelers trade rumor amounts to bad news for Giants, Commanders and Broncos

The New York Giants, Washington Commanders and Denver Broncos could all be in the market for a tight end this offseason.

One of the Commanders' top pending free agents is veteran tight end Zach Ertz, who is also coming off a torn ACL. While Ertz has said he plans to play in 2026, Washington might want to go in a different direction with a younger player.

The Giants need a veteran complement for their young tight end Theo Johnson, and Denver may be interested in adding a more complete tight end to go along with, or replace, Evan Engram.

After the Pittsburgh Steelers barely used tight end Pat Freiermuth last season in what was a crowded tight ends room, the belief was that he could be a trade candidate this offseason.

If that was the case, the Giants, Commanders and Broncos likely would have had interest in Freiermuth, who is a good blocker and pass-catcher.

However, according to The Athletic's Mike DeFabo, despite interest from at least a half of a dozen teams, the Steelers are not interested in trading Freiermuth at the moment.

"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," DeFabo wrote.

It does make sense for the Steelers to hold on to Freiermuth, assuming they actually use him next season.

Pittsburgh is almost certainly going to cut or trade (cut is far more likely) fellow tight end Jonnu Smith and the Steelers need all the pass-catchers they can get.

More NFL News

• Giants, Titans, Raiders rumor via ESPN could lead to trade with Bears
• Kenneth Walker rumor spells trouble for Seahawks RB's future in Seattle
• Lions rumor could lead to trade with Giants, Chiefs, Seahawks or Texans
• Raiders, Bills, Seahawks rumors may lead to battle over two free-agent WRs
• Malik Willis rumors are good news for Dolphins, Cardinals, bad for Browns