The Philadelphia Eagles are a team on a mission in 2025, and their sights are set on bolstering their roster with a strategic move that could reshape their offensive future. With whispers of a potential trade for Pittsburgh Steelers’ tight end Pat Freiermuth, the Eagles are positioning themselves to address a critical need at the tight end position. Here’s why this move makes perfect sense and why the Eagles are primed to pull it off.
The Eagles’ Tight End Dilemma
The Eagles already boast a talented tight end in Dallas Goedert, a seven-year veteran who has amassed 349 receptions, over 4,000 yards, and 24 touchdowns during his tenure with the team. Goedert, a South Dakota State product, recently signed a restructured contract to stay with Philadelphia, solidifying his role as a key piece of their offense. However, at 30 years old, Goedert’s durability has become a legitimate concern. Over the past three seasons, he has missed 15 games due to various injuries, raising questions about his long-term reliability as the Eagles’ primary tight end.
With limited depth behind Goedert, the Eagles face a potential vulnerability. If their star tight end goes down again, the team lacks a proven option to fill the void. This is where Pat Freiermuth, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 26-year-old tight end, enters the picture as a perfect solution.
The Steelers’ Shifting Landscape
The Pittsburgh Steelers recently made waves with a blockbuster trade, acquiring former Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith alongside All-Pro defensive back Jalen Ramsey in exchange for their own star safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick. The addition of Smith, a Pro Bowl-caliber tight end, introduces significant competition for Pat Freiermuth, who is coming off a solid 65-catch season. While Freiermuth has been a reliable contributor for the Steelers since being drafted in the second round in 2021, the acquisition of Smith could signal a shift in Pittsburgh’s plans.
At 26, Freiermuth is still in the prime of his career, but the presence of Smith—a proven veteran with a Pro Bowl nod—may indicate that the Steelers are open to moving their younger tight end. This creates a golden opportunity for the Eagles to swoop in and secure a player who could serve as both an immediate contributor and a long-term successor to Goedert.
Why Freiermuth Fits in Philadelphia
Pat Freiermuth, a Penn State alum, brings a skill set that aligns perfectly with the Eagles’ offensive needs. At 6’5” and 258 pounds, he’s a physical presence with reliable hands and the ability to stretch the field. His 65 receptions for the Steelers last season demonstrate his capability as a pass-catching tight end, and his youth suggests he has room to grow into an even more impactful player.
For the Eagles, Freiermuth would serve multiple purposes. In the short term, he provides insurance against Goedert’s injury concerns, ensuring the team has a dependable receiving option at tight end. His familiarity with Pennsylvania, having played his college ball at Penn State, could also make the transition to Philadelphia seamless, both on and off the field.
Looking ahead, Freiermuth represents a potential successor to Goedert, whose contract and age make his long-term future with the team uncertain. Acquiring a 26-year-old tight end with three years of NFL experience allows the Eagles to plan for the future while maintaining their competitive edge in 2025.
Why the Trade Makes Sense for Both Teams
The Steelers’ acquisition of Jonnu Smith suggests they may be willing to listen to offers for Freiermuth, especially if they believe Smith can handle the primary tight end role. Trading Freiermuth could net Pittsburgh valuable draft capital or a player to address another roster need, particularly as they integrate high-profile additions like Jalen Ramsey into their defense.
For the Eagles, the cost of acquiring Freiermuth is likely manageable. As a former second-round pick entering the final year of his rookie contract, Freiermuth’s trade value is significant but not prohibitive. The Eagles could offer a mid-round draft pick or a combination of picks and a depth player to sweeten the deal, making it an attractive proposition for Pittsburgh.
The Eagles’ Path to Success
The Eagles’ front office, led by general manager Howie Roseman, has a history of making bold moves to address roster needs. Roseman’s ability to navigate the trade market and secure high-value players at reasonable costs makes Philadelphia a dangerous player in any trade negotiation. With the Steelers potentially looking to reshape their roster around their new acquisitions, the Eagles are well-positioned to capitalize on Pittsburgh’s willingness to deal.
Moreover, the Eagles’ coaching staff, under Nick Sirianni, has a proven track record of maximizing the production of their tight ends. Goedert has thrived in Philadelphia’s offensive scheme, and Freiermuth’s skill set—combining size, athleticism, and reliable hands—would fit seamlessly into their system. Pairing him with Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ talented receiving corps, including A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, would create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses.
Conclusion
The Philadelphia Eagles are quietly laying the groundwork to “steal” Pat Freiermuth from the Pittsburgh Steelers, and all signs point to them succeeding. With Goedert’s injury concerns and the Steelers’ crowded tight end room, the timing is perfect for Philadelphia to make a move. Freiermuth’s youth, talent, and familiarity with the region make him an ideal fit, both for the present and the future. If the Eagles can pull off this trade, they’ll not only shore up a critical position but also send a message that they’re all-in for a Super Bowl run in 2025.