The Pittsburgh Steelers are expecting a new and improved offensive scheme for the 2026 season. Even though Aaron Rodgers is 42 and can't do everything he once could, the idea is that a new coaching staff can truly unlock that side of the ball and allow the players to thrive by not handcuffing them to a minimalistic playbook. Whether it works or not is still to be determined, but there is definitely a lot of talent present. It just needs the right hand to guide it and allow everyone to play up to their respective abilities.
Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers stands with Head Coach Mike McCarthy during training camp ahead of the 2026 season.
One big issue with the Steelers' offense seems to now be a priority for Pittsburgh. Before Saturday night's training camp practice, Offensive Coordinator Brian Angelichio spoke about how he plans on continuing to "push the envelope" with one of his most talent players.
"I think Pat's done a really good job at controlling the middle of the field," Angelichio said per Christopher Carter. "Anytime we get a one-on-one with Pat, he's made some plays. We're going to keep pushing the envelope."
There is no question that the Steelers grossly misused Pat Freiermuth in 2025, as he didn't have nearly enough targets. Under a new regime, it seems like that will change and be back to being the unquestioned top tight end of the team. Now that the middle of the field is finally opening up, there is no excuse for the former second-round pick to not become a focal point of the offense.
Angelichio's assessment of Freiermuth has been true so far. Rodgers has been throwing the ball his way a lot as the two have been developing some chemistry. The veteran quarterback has been relying on him when the offense gets around the end zone in practice. It still is early on in training camp, but if it continues, opposing defenses will need to watch out.
Aaron Rodgers finds Pat Freiermuth up the seam to his back shoulder for a 25 yard TD. Great throw. Freiermuth has been active all day.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) August 1, 2026
Freiermuth has done well as a red zone target in the past, as he has had two seven-touchdown seasons in the past. There's no question that he has the talent and ability to control the middle of the field; it just needs to be seen during the regular season more. If Angelichio's words and the trends from training camp mean anything, fans will see the veteran tight end have a breakout year.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers Pat Freiermuth celebrates his touchdown catch against the Buffalo Bills during the 2023 preseason.
If everything goes the way the trends are showing, the Steelers can truly unlock another dimension for the offense. In recent years, the unit has practically eliminated the middle of the field from the playbook and opted to focus on working outside the hashmarks. With Freiermuth getting more opportunities up the seam and between the hashes, opposing defensive coordinators will have another spot on the field that they must focus on.
Steelers' New Game Plan Is Bad News For A Fan Favorite
With the Steelers expecting to run a lot fewer multi-tight end sets, as well as Freiermuth expecting to get a lot more opportunities, Darnell Washington will likely see less time on the field. The giant captured the hearts of fans in 2025 when he displayed his abilities in the passing game while being built like an offensive tackle. He didn't get the ball much, but when he did, he struck fear into opposing defenses.
Washington will likely go back to being a blocking tight end in obvious run-down situations while getting some opportunities here and there with play actions. With his abilities, it would be great if the Steelers could find a way to still include him in the game plan regularly since he's a living cheat code. Either way, there is still a lot of change expected with a new-look offense.
What do you think about Freiermuth finally getting involved in the offense? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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