Pat Freiermuth
Pat Freiermuth
Pat Freiermuth had a 2025 season to forget. The Pittsburgh Steelers gave him a contract extension in 2024, and it seemed like he would be a big part of their offense going forward. However, Freiermuth took a step back last season. He finished with only 41 catches, 486 yards and four touchdowns.
While that was disappointing, Freiermuth thinks he’ll be much better this season.
“I’m expecting a lot, just from myself, as a leader of this team, as a locker room guy, on the field,” Freiermuth said Monday on the Deebo and Joe podcast. “Whatever happened last year, it is what it is. But I’m using it as a growth opportunity.
“Maybe there was some things that were out of my control. But looking at what I was going in my process, and I changed some things up and really self-reflected. I’m expecting a lot of big things from me this year and I’m hoping this is the year everything comes together.”
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Freiermuth’s numbers jump back up. The Steelers’ tight end room is much lighter this year. Darnell Washington figures to be Freiermuth’s only real competition for snaps, and the two of them have different skill sets. There’s room for both of them to play.
Arthur Smith and Jonnu Smith seemed to be the biggest roadblocks for Freiermuth last year. While Jonnu Smith failed to ever really produce in his lone year in Pittsburgh, he continued to get playing time. It was confusing, and it felt like Arthur Smith kept playing him because of their history together.
However, both Arthur Smith and Jonnu Smith are no longer with the Steelers. That should open up the doors that were closed for Freiermuth last year.
Steelers coaches have had a lot of praise for Freiermuth, too. Offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio, who spent a long time as a tight ends coach with other teams, is confident that Pittsburgh will be able to give Freiermuth and Washington a lot of work.
The Steelers have Freiermuth a lot of money, so they should utilize him. He had some explosive moments last year, despite seeing less time. Freiermuth showed that he can be an effective NFL player, and he sounds confident that he can do more this year. Hopefully, he’s right.