Steelers' Pat Freiermuth Shares A Promising Update Regarding His Improvement In 2 Key Areas

The Pittsburgh Steelers will enter the 2025 regular season with one of the deepest tight end rooms in all of football. Headlined by Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith, the unit features an elite mix of talent that will look to thrive throughout the year. Pittsburgh has Darnell Washington in the mix as well, as his size and strength could help him emerge as a consistent target at Aaron Rodgers' disposal.

Entering his fifth season, Freiermuth is an athletic tight end that will be slated with a major role throughout 2025. He continues to improve as he gets older, as the former Penn State star was credited with 653 yards on 65 receptions, while hauling in seven touchdowns as well in 2024. Many people are expecting Freiermuth to play at an elite level this year, as the presence of Rodgers at quarterback should certainly work in the big tight end's favor.

I personally spoke to Freiermuth earlier on Tuesday and he was able to give me an inside look as to how he feels he has improved throughout training camp.

"I would say my blocking and my knowledge of the offense," Freiermuth stated. "I think I've come a long way in the blocking department."

Freiermuth then went more in depth on his knowledge of the offense, claiming how it could help this upcoming season. 

"My knowledge of this offense should allow me to play faster," Freiermuth explained.

Freiermuth, 26, has solidified himself as a fan favorite and could very well rank among the top tight ends in the league should he continue to develop chemistry with Rodgers. Freiermuth is expected to split reps as tight end one (TE1) with Smith to open the year, as Smith is an athletic player that may see time at multiple positions. Smith, a Pro Bowler in 2024, is an elite tight end who was credited with a career year last season.

Smith thrived despite poor quarterback play throughout the majority of the season, as the veteran is expected to become a top target for Rodgers throughout the year. Freiermuth could potentially emerge as the true starting tight end with Smith taking on more of a wide receiver role, as both players will more than likely find themselves with a key role on offense. Fans should continue to keep a close eye on both star tight ends.

Steelers' Tight End Depth Ranks Among The League's Best

Despite having Freiermuth and Smith at the top of the depth chart, the Steelers find themselves with multiple tight ends who will look to make an impact in the future. Tight end JJ Galbreath has continued to turn heads throughout training camp, as the rookie is expected to continue fighting his way towards a spot on the 53-man roster. Galbreath was a star at the college level as well, as the former South Dakota Coyotes standout played a major role in the program's success last season.

The Steelers also still currently have Connor Heyward in the tight end room, as he contributes on special teams as well. Heyward, brother of legendary defensive lineman Cam Heyward, is a talented tight end who will look to keep improving in 2025. Heyward saw just eight targets last season, as he was credited with 40 yards on six receptions. He was only able to find the end zone once in 2024, as the former Michigan State star will look to have a bounce back season this year.

With Freiermuth continuing to show confidence in his blocking abilities and Smith set to shine throughout his first season in Pittsburgh, the Steelers' offense will have two extremely dangerous weapons at Rodgers' disposal. Add in Washington as a great red zone target, along with his exceptional blocking abilities, and the Steelers could be in business. Fans should continue to monitor the entire tight end room throughout the remainder of training camp, as both Heyward and Galbreath will look to continue proving themselves as well.

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