Steelers Should Absolutely Involve 1 Key Offensive Player More Often: "Just Not Being Used"

The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to narrowly escape Foxborough with a victory against the New England Patriots in what was a hard fought back and fourth matchup on Sunday. Aaron Rodgers threw for just 139 yards in the win, along with two touchdowns and an interception. Rodgers was able to get multiple players involved in the passing game, despite an even self-proclaimed underwhelming performance overall on offense.

Pat Freiermuth had just one catch for six yards in Week 3. He is a talented tight end that could become a legitimate threat through the air, as many people believe the Steelers should involve him in the passing game more often. Insider Gerry Dulac was recently asked for his thoughts as to how Pittsburgh should utilize the athletic tight end, as Dulac claims he would like to see the Steelers target Freiermuth extensively as the season rolls on. Dulac claims Pittsburgh should utilize Freiermuth specifically in the middle of the field.

"Pat Freiermuth has not been involved as much as I thought," Dulac stated. "One, I thought he would be, and two, I think he needs to be. And you see that middle of the field just not being used."

Dulac continued to speak about Rodgers' 21-yard completion to Jonnu Smith in Sunday's win, as the insider would like to see Freiermuth being used in a similar manner.

"Aaron Rodgers completed a 21-yard, kind of a deep one over the middle to Jonnu Smith," Dulac explained. "And I was trying to think in terms of yards through the air, that might have been the deepest midfield connection that he's made all year. They haven't gone over the middle enough. And I think that's where they need to use Pat Freiermuth to sit in those zones, but I don't know how much zone they are seeing as opposed to how much man they are seeing."

Freiermuth and Smith could quickly emerge as one of the best tight end tandems in all of football. At 6'5", 258 pounds, Freiermuth is a dynamic tight end that could continue to get more targets as the season rolls on, but that will all depend on Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, as well as Rodgers. Freiermuth currently has just seven receptions on the season for a total of 65 yards, but many feel as if the athletic tight end could become more of a threat on the Steelers' offense in the near future.

The Steelers will face the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland this Sunday as Freiermuth will have his next opportunity to get more involved in the passing game. Rodgers will need to play at a higher level as well, as the legendary quarterback could find himself targeting both Freiermuth and Smith much more often as the unit continues to develop chemistry. Freiermuth was targeted just three times in Sunday's win over the Patriots as he will look to establish himself in the passing game throughout Week 4.

Steelers' Pat Freiermuth Could Benefit Playing Alongside Smith and Metcalf

The Steelers have an elite wide receiver in DK Metcalf. Metcalf was acquired during the offseason in a deal with the Seattle Seahawks and could aid in opening up the field for Freiermuth and Pittsburgh's other receiving options. Smith was a Pro Bowler in 2024, as the presence of both Metcalf and Smith could play a major role in Freiermuth's ability to get open throughout the season. Through three games in 2025, the Steelers' offense has been very inconsistent, but the weapons are seemingly there to open up the field for Rodgers and the rest of the offense.

Dulac's comments regarding Freiermuth's usage likely resonate with many Steelers fans. Freiermuth is a dynamic tight end that could certainly become a legitimate threat in the passing game as the season goes on. 

What are your thoughts on Freiermuth so far in 2025? Be sure to comment below!

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