The Pittsburgh Steelers were excellent on the offensive side of the ball on Thursday. Aaron Rodgers was credited with 249 yards and four touchdowns, but the veteran threw two interceptions throughout the contest as well. Rodgers consistently targeted his tight ends against the Cincinnati Bengals and Pat Freiermuth was able to shine in what was easily his best game of the 2025 season to date.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers celebrates with Pat Freiermuth after a big play during a win over the Cleveland Browns in 2025.
Freiermuth had been struggling prior to the matchup in Cincinnati. The tight end hauled in 111 yards on five receptions and caught two huge touchdowns in what was one of the better games of the talented playmaker's career. Legendary tight end Tony Gonzalez took a moment to share his thoughts on the Steelers' tight end room following the game, as Gonzalez credited Rodgers for getting the tight ends more involved throughout the contest.
Gonzalez said Pittsburgh will need to acquire an additional offensive weapon as well.
"I think right now when you look at the tight ends — I was saying that they need to get more involved, and they did." Gonzalez stated. "I like what I saw. Pat Freiermuth makes $12 million a year. He is a big-time tight end, and they finally went to him. I think they are going to lean on these tight ends."
Gonzalez continued to talk about DK Metcalf and the lack of depth currently behind him.
"I love DK Metcalf out there at the receiver, but they still need one more explosive player. Calvin Austin lll, he will come back, but I still think maybe even a trade or something to go out there and get one more explosive player; because this team, they lost tonight, but they are still a really good football team."
Multiple receivers have emerged as potential trade targets for Pittsburgh in recent weeks. Calvin Austin lll is currently sidelined with an injury suffered in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings, and the Steelers currently lack major depth at the position outside of Metcalf. The trade deadline is November 4th and Pittsburgh has been one of many teams rumored to be in the mix for a playmaker.
Karl Roster / Pittsburgh Steelers
DK Metcalf carries the football against the Minnesota Vikings.
Rodgers could continue to target the tight ends moving forward. Freiermuth's massive game was an excellent sign of what may come in the future but the talented tight end has proven to be an excellent playmaker with additional targets. Pittsburgh may continue to utilize both Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith next Sunday against the Green Bay Packers as both tight ends will look to stay hot.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith gets some work in as the team participates in a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Praised Pat Freiermuth For His Week 7 Performance
Rodgers had a solid performance despite throwing two interceptions. The veteran quarterback took a moment after the game to share his thoughts on Freiermuth's efforts, and Rodgers credited the tight end for his patience and professionalism. Freiermuth has not seen a large workload to begin the 2025 season but his performance against the Bengals on Thursday proves he is still an elite weapon.
Freiermuth has seen a decrease in playing time and targets in 2025, but the pass-catcher sent a major message on Thursday night. Rodgers' comments are a nice thing for the fan base to hear, as Freiermuth has been very patient, and took his time in waiting for his opportunity. Pittsburgh will host the Packers next Sunday night and Freiermuth will have an excellent chance for another massive performance.
Freiermuth sent a clear message to the NFL world with his efforts on Thursday night. He is still an elite target and could quickly find himself having another big game on Sunday. Pittsburgh will host the Packers next weekend for Sunday Night Football as Pittsburgh will look to turn things around and get back in the win column.
Do you think Freiermuth will have another big game on Sunday? Comment Below!
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