One Steelers' Star Is Very Happy Mike McCarthy Is Now In Charge Instead Of Mike Tomlin

The Pittsburgh Steelers are changing their identity. They had three head coaches since 1969, all of whom were defensive-minded. Now, with Mike McCarthy at the helm, things are going to change. The franchise is finally making moves on the offensive side of the ball, with the acquisitions of Michael Pittman Jr. and Rico Dowdle. The offense for the Steelers the last few seasons has been a disaster, as it hasn't had the talent or any kind of schematic advantages. It looks like in 2026, the unit will at least have a respectable roster that has a chance to be dynamic.

McCarthy has traditionally had a good scheme, so it's safe to assume that will continue. While the team has lacked talent, it has also failed to use the quality talent that it has had. For instance, Pat Freiermuth, who the team gave a four-year, $48 million extension, has not been nearly as involved as he should be. Freiermuth has been a reliable target for the organization since he was drafted in 2021. 

In 2024, Freiermuth had 653 yards and seven touchdowns, which tied a career high. He did this while being the team's only other reliable target next to George Pickens. 2025, however, was different for the former Penn State Nittany Lion. Freiermuth saw limited use in 2025, with only 486 yards and four touchdowns. It was clear that he and Aaron Rodgers lacked the chemistry fans had hoped for. 

Freiermuth was great when called upon, but he wasn't called upon very often. His lack of involvement led to trade speculation beginning for the former second-round pick, but nothing official.

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly recently appeared on his show, Kaboly + Mack, where he discussed the Steelers and who their most important players are for the upcoming season. He had Freiermuth ranked as the fourth most important Steeler for the 2026 season, believing he was very underutilized in 2025. 

"In my opinion, obviously, Freiermuth was underutilized last year," Kaboly said. "He could provide this offense with something we saw, what, Cincinnati game maybe, I think the Colts game. He could be that de facto third option for Rodgers. They need that middle-of-the-field presence; they need that red zone presence." 

Freiermuth has done it before; he had 732 yards in his second season. In his time with the Steelers, Freiermuth has had very poor offensive coordinators. Neither of them is in the NFL right now. Arthur Smith was his offensive coordinator the last two seasons. 

Smith loves his tight ends, so it should have been a very nice match, but it wasn't. Despite running 13 personnel, the second most in the entire NFL, the tight ends still weren't very productive. They had the talent, but not the schematics. 

Steelers Need To Use The Playmaker That They Paid Big Money To

The Steelers' use of Freiermuth as little as they did is a fireable offense. That coaching staff is no longer with the team, so that's a win in and of itself. Freiermuth must be the primary target over the middle and in the red zone. McCarthy has had tight ends break out before, as Jake Ferguson is now one of the better tight ends in the NFL. Ferguson is not much better than Freiermuth, if at all. 

Freiermuth will have some help in 2026, as the team cut Jonnu Smith, who would often out-snap Freiermuth. Now with Smith gone, Freiermuth is the primary target in that room. They still have Darnell Washington, who is fun to watch with the ball in his hands, but he is a much better blocker than receiver. 

The team will likely bring in one more tight end, either in the draft or free agency, since they only have two legitimate options on the roster, but that player won't add competition to Freiermuth. The Steelers have to find a way to use Freiermuth in an effective way. He is one of their most reliable playmakers and may be their best pair of hands. 

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