The Pittsburgh Steelers finally finalized a deal with defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, who has been adamant that he is at 100% and wants to continue to play. He has also said he would like to be a "one helmet guy." That deal being done turned the attention to tight end Pat Freiermuth, who could be next. There has been no word about his contract extension however, and now we are almost at the Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Most local media members have said they think the Steelers will get something done for Freiermuth before the season begins. Even Freiermuth himself has said he feels confident a deal will happen soon. However, on 93.7 The Fan's Joe Starkey Show, Brooke Pryor from ESPN contradicted them all, despite admitting the team "likes doing things when their backs up against the wall."
"I'm less optimistic that one gets done," said Pryor. "I've talked to some people who say it's not looking like it. Of course, things can always change, and they can change really quickly. I get the sense that Pat Freiermuth is less of a priority, clearly because Cam Heyward got done first, but I think that with Pat, he fits on paper in Arthur Smith's offense. Arthur Smith wants to use tight ends, especially when they don't have a strong number two receiver."
When new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith was with the Tennessee Titans, he was known for his strong run game and helping revitalize quarterback Ryan Tannehill's career. When he was with the Falcons, he had tight end Kyle Pitts, who he utilized effectively, even if some fans felt it wasn't often enough.
The Steelers are hoping Smith breathes new life into an anemic offense by developing a physical team with a strong run game, creative play-calling, and, according to Smith himself, a significant role for the tight ends. Smith has said that he is looking forward to developing multiple tight end sets. Pryor is likely right in thinking Smith will have to lean more heavily on the tight ends, given that there doesn't appear to be a solid number two receiver. So, while Freiermuth looks like a natural fit on paper, Pryor questions if the franchise is confident in him, given his injury history and reduced stats.
"Pat Freiermuth checks a lot of boxes, but he was also, I think, kind of hurt by the fact that he was in Matt Canada's offense the last two years. He also dealt with some soft tissue injuries. His numbers aren't what they could be to justify a longer extension and a bigger payday. So I can see a scenario where the Steelers say, 'You know what, we really like you. We kind of want to see how this year goes in this new offense, see if you can get through this without any more concussions, any more soft tissue injuries, and then we'll revisit before free agency opens.' Of course, that's a gamble because if he does play well this year, that number's gonna go up. And he and his team can say they want to hit free agency and see what other teams offer us because you didn't want to do the deal with us before the season."
The Steelers will be making a gamble either way, but Freiermuth helps control his destiny. If he can have a consistent, injury-free season and show Pittsburgh that he has grown and improved, he will get paid, whether in the Steel City or elsewhere.
Steelers' Second Receiving Threat Could Be Pat Freiermuth
Pryor pointed out that in the absence of signing Brandon Aiyuk or another strong receiver, the Steelers are left without that reliable number two option to pair with George Pickens. While Head Coach Mike Tomlin might be confident in the depth pieces he has in place, many others aren't and are worried it will all fall to Freiermuth.
While Pickens will receive the most targets, someone will have to step up and be that second receiver, and Freiermuth could see those targets and make those catches. As Pryor said, Freiermuth must show the Steelers he can stay healthy and be that guy.
