The tight end position is always seen as a "security blanket." That's just how former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, used tight end Heath Miller in their primes. Miller was never the flashiest, most elusive playmaker, but when the Steelers needed some yards, he was the guy. After Miller's retirement in 2016, Roethlisberger didn't really have that consistently reliable option at TE over the last six years of his career.
Sep 15, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Vance McDonald (89) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports
Vance McDonald was as close as it got, as he proved to be a very good acquisition from the San Francisco 49ers. He wasn't able to remain healthy enough though, limiting his production. In 2018, he had 50 receptions for 610 yards and four touchdowns. Ladarius Green was a complete bust of a signing, lasting just one season in Pittsburgh. Heading into the 2021 NFL Draft, the tight end position was seen as a dire need.
That's just why former general manager Kevin Colbert used his second-round draft pick on Penn State tight end, Pat Freiermuth. In his rookie season, which happened to be Roethlisberger's last, he caught 60 balls for 497 yards and seven touchdowns. He earned rave reviews from the black and gold's Hall of Fame quarterback, signifying the team may just have finally found their Heath Miller replacement. In fact, instead of "HEEAAATH" chants, they are now "MUUUUUTHH" chants inside Acrisure Stadium.
Well, in his sophomore season now, Freiermuth is taking that next step forward that everyone expected him to. He's become a primary target for rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett, a good sign that these two will have chemistry for years to come. One of the best things you can do for a young quarterback is to provide him with an all-around tight end like Freiermuth. Pro Football Focus has recognized the sophomore's big season, as they rate him as the second-best tight end in the AFC this season.
Weekly MUUUUTH update 🗣️
— PFF PIT Steelers (@PFF_Steelers) December 13, 2022
Pat Freiermuth is now up to the second highest graded TE in the NFL (80.7) - behind only Travis Kelce.
Solid company! pic.twitter.com/RaUHc8Hpm4
Yes, that's even above Mark Andrews of the Baltimore Ravens. The two have mostly comparable stats this season, as Freiermuth has 53 catches for 630 yards and two touchdowns. His 630 yards are fourth-most amongst TE's, behind Andrews, Travis Kelce, and TJ Hockenson. If he would have played more of a full game against the Ravens, he may be in second. If he can end the season strong, he may have a case to make his first Pro Bowl appearance.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
On Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin clarified that Freiermuth is dealing with a foot injury at the moment, thus why he wasn't on the field very much in the team's Week 14 loss. He is still expected to play in Week 15, but he will be limited at practice early in the week. Nonetheless, Freiermuth is officially here as one of the best tight ends in football. He continues to improve his blocking abilities as well, the obvious weakness of his game. Recently, he attributed backup Zach Gentry for his growth in that aspect.
Where do you rank Freiermuth amongst the best TE's in the NFL? Is he the Steelers' best play-maker? Share your opinions on this topic in the comments below!
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