The Pittsburgh Steelers may have won the AFC North in 2025, but all in all, it still felt like a disappointing season that left the team with way more questions than answers. The only real consistent feature of the team was its inconsistency from week to week. Even with a brand-new coaching staff, many of these concerns from the fans are still there. They won't truly be answered until the season starts, but getting any sort of clarification is always a good thing.
Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan watches warmups before an NFL game between the Steelers and the New England Patriots in Pittsburgh in 2023.
During an interview at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, General Manager Omar Khan was asked about his plans for Pat Freiermuth. His praise for the big tight end came off as a bit of a shot taken at his former offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith.
"It's exciting what's to come with Pat," Khan said. "He's a great player to have around. We paid him for a reason, so excited to have him in the mix."
While Khan did pay Freiermuth like a top-10 tight end, Smith received lots of criticism in 2025 for not using him like that. It got to the point where trade rumors started swirling due to how little he was being used in that offense. He definitely is a good player, and the few times he got the chance to prove it that season, he did. He may not be an amazing blocker, but he is a great threat in the middle of the field.
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Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) walks on the field with his helmet off while the team warms up prior to going through a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
In 2025, Freiermuth had just 41 receptions for 486 yards and four touchdowns, as well as no drops. Two of those touchdowns and plenty of those receiving yards actually came in one game, which means he had over 300 yards and two scores in the other 16 games. That was completely unacceptable game planning from Smith, and it seems like the Steelers are very aware of that.
With new coach Mike McCarthy taking over, the hope is that the Steelers can finally have a dynamic offense for the first time since the Killer B's era. That includes using Freiermuth and reminding the football world of how great he truly is. Khan did not give him top-10 tight end money to have him be a decoy and block the weak side in jumbo formations. He paid him to produce.
Expectations are that McCarthy will run a lot more 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end). That's great for Freiermuth, as he would be lined up against a safety or a smaller linebacker. That would give him more opportunities to get the ball and use his 6'5 frame to box the defender out. If Smith stayed, that likely would not have happened, and he could have ended up being traded.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth makes a touchdown catch during Pittsburgh's 33-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7 of the 2025 NFL regular season.
Smith is no longer in the NFL, as he became the offensive coordinator of the Ohio State Buckeyes. In a league that had 21 vacancies at that position, there did not appear to be a ton of interest in him, outside of a head coach interview or two that did not go very far. Misusing players like Freiermuth will hurt your reputation, especially when you already are known for not utilizing your best players.
Steelers Need All The Offensive Weapons They Can Get
Whether Aaron Rodgers comes back, someone gets signed, or someone gets drafted, guys like Freiermuth are desperately needed. The Steelers have been in quarterback purgatory for years now. There may not be a good option for Pittsburgh, but the best way to make it work is to have a unit full of weapons and a strong offensive line.
What do you think about Khan praising Freiermuth while giving a subtle jab to Smith? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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