The Pittsburgh Steelers should have a completely different looking offense this year than we've seen in the past, and fourth year tight end Pat Freiermuth will have a major role. Freiermuth, a 25 year old out of Penn State, had an impressive first two seasons in the NFL, but had a disappointing season in 2023. As the Steelers gear up for the 2024 season with new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, many fans and Pittsburgh insiders are expecting the tight end to have a huge year in Smith's system.
As of right now, Freiermuth will become a free agent after this coming season. However, many within Pittsburgh expect an extension to be reached for him sometime soon. Smith, who has proven to be a top level offensive coordinator, is known for his use of tight ends. Smith uses a lot of multi-tight end packages within his offenses and targets them a bunch in the passing game. After Freiermuth has suffered for his first three years under Matt Canada's offense, he is expected to be used to his talents with Smith.
After his first two seasons, Freiermuth was emerging as one of the best young tight ends in the NFL. He played 32 games, caught 123 passes for over 1,200 yards, and secured nine scores. Last year, his numbers would drop as he only caught 32 passes for 308 yards and two touchdowns.
With Canada calling the plays, the last couple of seasons made the Steelers' offense unbearable to watch, even with the talent they've had. The Steel City has a new sense of excitement with Smith in town, and Steelers insider Mark Kaboly had some nice things to say about Freiermuth at Organized Team Activities (OTAs) during his article with The Athletic.
"It has been well documented how Smith likes to use tight ends in his offense, and that was evident at OTAs. Freiermuth was not only targeted often, but he looked like a legitimate playmaker in this offense."
Freiermuth has always had a promising skill set and playmaking ability, the issue has been the way he is used. With the Steelers having only George Pickens as a proven threat, Freiermuth has a chance to earn the most targets on the team. He is a fan favorite, and nothing would please Steelers fans more than if he could have a huge 2024 season.
Steelers' New Offense Is Going To Be Physical In 2024
The Steelers now have an identity on offense with Smith, which is running the ball. In his previous offenses, he utilized his powerful running backs, like Derrick Henry with the Tennessee Titans, and played physical. There aren't many backs in the league who play as similarly to Henry as Najee Harris, who is also looking for a massive season just like Freiermuth. The Steelers' running back tandem between Harris and Jaylen Warren continues to improve and grow each season, and adding Smith as a play-caller will only help.
Freiermuth and Harris are both entering their fourth seasons with the Steelers, and this could be their make or break years. While Harris has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons, his job is not safe with Warren behind him. Both are set up for great success this season, but time will tell.
