Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth was one of former franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s favorite targets during his rookie season, before backsliding the past two years, but, might an upgraded quarterback room and a new system hold the key to a Freiermuth renaissance in 2024?
Freiermuth burst onto the scene in 2021, after being chosen in the second round of the NFL Draft, out of Penn State, catching 60 passes for 497 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns.
However, injuries exacted a significant toll last season as Freiermuth managed just 32 receptions for 308 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games.
The arrival of Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator combined with what should be improved quarterback play from some combination of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields could be exactly what Freiermuth needs to climb the hierarchy among NFL tight ends.
Could Pat Freirmuth Be the Biggest Beneficiary of New Pittsburgh Steelers Offense?
Smith understandably drew criticism in 2023 for underutilizing dynamic rookie running back Bijan Robinson and at times seeming to forget electrifying tight end Kyle Pitts’ potential impact on an offense.
Still, Jonnu Smith caught 50 passes for 582 yards and three scores for the Falcons, in Arthur Smith’s offense, despite wildly inconsistent quarterback play in 2023.
As the Steelers’ 2024 season nears, CBS Sports NFL analyst Jordan Dajani believes Freiermith could be Pittsburgh’s player with the chance to shine this fall.
“Pat Freiermuth caught seven touchdowns in his rookie season,” Dajani points out. “Crossed 700 yards receiving the next year, but then came 2023. He missed five games due to a hamstring injury, and caught 32 passes for 308 yards and two touchdowns — all career-low numbers. Freiermuth has said that Arthur Smith’s new offense is “very exciting” for tight ends, and he may be onto something. Under Smith, Kyle Pitts became just the second rookie tight end in NFL history to cross 1,000 receiving yards, and the first rookie tight end to make the Pro Bowl in almost two decades.
“Smith also found success using Atlanta’s TE2 in Jonnu Smith, who caught 50 passes for a career-high 582 yards and three touchdowns last season. Pitts and Smith both finished inside the top 15 in receiving yards among tight ends in 2023, and top 18 in targets. No other NFL team had two tight ends rank that high in either statistical category.”
One major key to Freiermith breaking through and breaking out in 2024 could prove to be building a strong rapport with the Steelers’ quarterbacks early in camp and building as the season progresses.
Last season, Steelers quarterbacks posted a 97.5 passer rating when targeting Freiermuth, as Pro Football Focus points out, who didn’t drop a pass.
That kind of consistency, given Freiermuth’s athleticism and ability to be a matchup nightmare could hold the key to the Steelers’ passing game elevating to new heights this season.
