The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense has lacked firepower for quite some time as it has been one of the least-explosive units in the NFL. The only chance the Steelers ever really have for a big play from the offense is a deep shot down the sideline to George Pickens, and that is easy for a defense to take away. Pittsburgh needs to become more diverse in utilizing all of its weapons offensively, and that starts with getting tight end Pat Freiermuth more involved during the 2025 season.
Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth is sandwiched by two Cincinnati Bengals defenders after making a catch during their Week 12 matchup in 2023.
Freiermuth had his best season yet in 2024, but it seemed like the tight end was missing from some games where the team could have used his services. The usage of Freiermuth is something that has been complained about since he entered the league back in 2021. The tights end's lack of involvement has been an issue with both Matt Canada and Arthur Smith calling the plays, but hopefully that changes as he enters his fifth season.
Team insider Brooke Pryor recently joined the Locked On Steelers Podcast, and she shared her thoughts on Freiermuth's potential.
"I think that Pat Freiermuth is their best, most consistent offensive weapon," Pryor said. "To me, he has all the tools to be a Travis Kelce, to be a George Kittle. But use him! Use him more, scheme him open. The number of times that I felt like I did not see him was so frustrating. He can be your security blanket. Use him. Target him. I don't think that his lack of involvement and lack of production this year when there were lacks was his fault."
During the 2024 season, the tight end caught 65 passes for 653 yards and seven touchdowns, and it was certainly his most well-rounded season yet. He was able to play all 18 games, which is something he has struggled with in recent years. Pryor believes Freiermuth can take another step forward, as there were some games where it seemed like the offense didn't scheme any plays up for him.
AP
Steelers' Russell Wilson and Pat Freiermuth get ready to run out onto the field in Washington.
Freiermuth played great, but there were some contests where he would only be targeted twice and record under 20 yards. Most of the time, this was not his fault, as Russell Wilson often had trouble locating the tight end. There were several instances where Freiermuth was running wide open down the field and Wilson refused to throw him the football.
Here was the infamous Russell Wilson miss to a wide open Pat Freiermuth that was talked about last night...
— Bradley Locker (@Bradley_Locker) November 22, 2024
Actually a great call by Arthur Smith with a play action Flood look, which gets both safeties to bite down
Can see Freiermuth's exasperation pic.twitter.com/w3OxmGqQUb
It is unclear what Wilson's reasoning ever was for missing Freiermuth, but it is a big reason that the organization needs to go in a different direction at quarterback. Wilson is at a point in his career where he can't consistently use his legs to extend plays while keeping his eyes downfield. Freiermuth, and Pickens, deserve a quarterback who can do that.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Pat Freiermuth runs with the ball during a win over the Cleveland Browns in 2024.
Steelers' Pat Freiermuth Has The Potential To Be An Elite Tight End
Freiermuth had some drops during the 2024 season, and there were some instances where he came up short of a first down that got the fan base a little on edge. However, whenever the team has needed him to make plays, he has been able to. All he needs is some more opportunities. There is no reason Freiermuth can't transcend into a form of Travis Kelce or George Kittle. If the coaching staff can get the tight end some more targets, the offense should see a serious increase in production.
What do you think the ceiling is on a player like Freiermuth? Let us know in the comments below!
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