In a surprising turn of events this NFL offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ latest high-profile signing may not just reshape their own offensive identity — it could also send shockwaves through the AFC East, particularly in the direction of New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers’ recent acquisition is opening the door for a potential tight end trade that could have unexpected consequences for Rodgers and the Jets’ 2025 campaign.
Earlier this week, the Steelers announced the signing of Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year, team-friendly deal, marking a new era in Pittsburgh after the team parted ways with Kenny Pickett and reshuffled their quarterback room. While the primary storyline has focused on Wilson’s comeback opportunity, insiders suggest that the ripple effects of this signing might go even further — all the way to MetLife Stadium.
According to multiple league sources, Pittsburgh is now exploring trade possibilities involving tight end Pat Freiermuth. The 25-year-old is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and despite being a reliable pass-catcher and blocker when healthy, he saw limited production in 2024 due to offensive inconsistency and a mid-season injury. With new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith likely to bring a more run-heavy, tight end-utilizing system to Pittsburgh, the Steelers could be eyeing a different type of player for their scheme — potentially making Freiermuth expendable.
Enter the New York Jets.
With Aaron Rodgers set to return in 2025 following a devastating Achilles injury in the opening minutes of Week 1 last year, the Jets have spent the offseason reinforcing their offensive line and adding depth at wide receiver. However, one glaring hole remains: tight end. Tyler Conklin and C.J. Uzomah failed to make a significant impact in Rodgers’ brief 2024 appearance, and New York has been aggressively searching for a versatile, trustworthy option at the position to maximize their Super Bowl window with the 40-year-old quarterback.
Sources close to the situation indicate that the Jets have expressed interest in Freiermuth, and talks between the two teams have already taken place at the league meetings in Orlando. A potential deal could involve a mid-round 2025 draft pick, or even a player-for-player swap, depending on Pittsburgh’s needs.
If such a trade materializes, it could provide Rodgers with the kind of security blanket he had in Green Bay with tight ends like Robert Tonyan and Jermichael Finley. Freiermuth’s strong hands, route-running ability, and red-zone presence would instantly upgrade the Jets’ tight end room and give Rodgers a familiar dynamic weapon to lean on — especially if his mobility is somewhat diminished post-injury.
For the Steelers, offloading Freiermuth could clear cap space and allow them to pursue a tight end more suited to Smith’s scheme, such as a dominant blocker or a two-way threat available in the upcoming draft. Georgia’s Brock Bowers and Texas’ Ja’Tavion Sanders have both been linked to Pittsburgh in early mock drafts, and an additional pick from a Freiermuth trade could give them the flexibility to move up the board.
Ultimately, the Steelers’ decision to bring in Wilson may prove to be a pivotal move not just for their own team, but for the landscape of the AFC. If Freiermuth heads to New York, it could be the missing piece that reignites Rodgers’ late-career title hopes — and perhaps shift the power dynamic in a stacked conference where margins are razor-thin.
Whether the trade gets finalized or not, it’s clear that Pittsburgh’s offseason maneuvers are being watched closely by front offices across the league. And as the dominoes fall, one thing is certain: Russell Wilson’s arrival in the Steel City may end up influencing much more than just the Steelers’ quarterback room.
