Ben Roethlisberger Sees Mike McCarthy Correcting The Steelers' Baffling Pat Freiermuth Mistake

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2026 offseason determined to build an offense capable of properly utilizing all of its talent. That responsibility now belongs to Head Coach Mike McCarthy, whose system should create opportunities that were frequently missing under Pittsburgh's previous staff.

One player who should benefit tremendously is Pat Freiermuth. Steelers fans have spent years waiting for the talented tight end to produce his breakout season, but inconsistent usage has made it difficult for him to reach his statistical ceiling.

Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was encouraged by how Pittsburgh used its tight ends during the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers. However, watching McCarthy's offense also reminded him of how confusing Freiermuth's role became under former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. 

"I mean, what are we? I mean, yeah, we've been talking about it," Roethlisberger said. "Listen, everyone talked about last year, the offensive coordinator is a big tight end guy. He loves running the ball, and he loves his tight ends."

Smith arrived in Pittsburgh with a reputation for building physical offenses around the running game and multiple tight-end formations. That made Freiermuth appear positioned for a significant role, especially once Aaron Rodgers became Pittsburgh's quarterback.

Instead, the anticipated breakout never arrived. Freiermuth finished the 2025 season with 41 receptions for 486 yards and four touchdowns. Those numbers were not disastrous, but they were disappointing for a player who has shown the ability to become one of the NFL's more productive receiving tight ends. Roethlisberger could not understand why Pittsburgh possessed such a talented option without consistently making him an important part of its passing game.

"But we have a great tight end [in Pat Freiermuth] that we didn't throw the ball to, so it didn't make sense to me," Roethlisberger said.

The problem appeared to be the scheme more than Freiermuth's ability. Smith deserves a fair portion of the blame because he coordinated the offense, but former head coach Mike Tomlin also allowed the situation to continue. Pittsburgh repeatedly discussed maximizing its tight ends without consistently creating the necessary targets.

Freiermuth could only produce with the opportunities he received. A tight end cannot manufacture catches when the football goes elsewhere, regardless of how effectively he runs routes or creates separation. The frustrating part is that Freiermuth still flashed his potential when featured. He recorded five receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2025, showing Pittsburgh what its passing attack could look like when he became a priority.

Darnell Washington also emerged as an important offensive piece. He finished with 31 catches for 364 yards and one touchdown, but his value extended beyond those numbers. Washington regularly delivered physical yards after the catch and moved the chains in critical moments. Washington's development should not reduce Freiermuth's role. McCarthy must find ways to feature both players by using their different skill sets. Washington provides overwhelming size and physicality, while Freiermuth offers the receiving ability to attack linebackers and safeties.

Steelers Finally Have A Plan For Pat Freiermuth

McCarthy's previous 18 seasons running NFL offenses provide a legitimate reason for optimism. He has consistently understood how to incorporate tight ends without forcing the entire offense through them. That experience should allow him to design a role that fits Freiermuth instead of expecting him to survive on broken plays and checkdowns.

New offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio also brings extensive experience coaching tight ends. Pittsburgh now has two offensive minds who understand the position and should recognize how dangerous Freiermuth can become when given regular opportunities. Predicting another breakout requires courage after years of disappointment. Steelers fans have heard similar promises before, and even Rodgers' arrival could not produce the career season many expected in 2025.

However, the structure surrounding Freiermuth is finally different. McCarthy controls the offense, Angelichio understands the position and Pittsburgh possesses enough dangerous weapons to prevent defenses from focusing entirely on one player. Freiermuth could essentially double his 2025 production by approaching 80 receptions, 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns. Those numbers are aggressive, but his talent has never been the primary concern. The missing ingredient has always been consistent opportunity. Roethlisberger noticed the mistake Pittsburgh made. McCarthy now has the experience and personnel required to correct it.

Please feel free to share your Steelers takes and thoughts with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I'm always open to hearing different perspectives, breaking down games, and talking all things Pittsburgh football.

#SteelerNation