Steelers GM Omar Khan Has Interesting Decision To Make In 2024 Regarding A Neglected Pat Freiermuth

There has been much to get excited about when it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers offense in recent years. Matt Canada was finally fired after a horrible tenure as the team's offensive coordinator. It hasn't gotten much better with Eddie Faulkner and Mike Sullivan leading the way, but the unit turned in their best performance of the 2023 season in Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals. One of the biggest head scratchers for the entire year however, has been the lack of focus on one of the group's more talented players. It almost seems as if Pat Freiermuth doesn't exist in the passing game anymore.

The third-year tight end out of Penn State has significantly regressed. While he dealt with a hamstring injury that kept him out for several games, he is on track to have the worst season of his career by far. He only has hauled in 27 catches for 243 yards and two touchdowns. He had under 500 yards receiving in his rookie year, but was able to catch seven touchdowns from Ben Roethlisberger.

He is a terrific safety valve on third down and in the red zone, but it seems as if he has been neglected the majority of offensive possessions. It's anyone's guess as to why and the situation should absolutely concern Steelers fans. He has the ability to be a top five tight end in the league, but isn't getting the opportunity to display how good he really is.

This is going to be a very interesting offseason for the 25-year old. The former second-rounder will be eligible for a contract extension in 2024 and while he still remains the future at the position for Pittsburgh, his production of late certainly has to make one think about what his worth truly is. General Manager Omar Khan will need to make a big-time decision once the new league year kicks off in March.

As a second round pick, Freiermuth signed a four-year deal. Now that he is about to finish up year three, his agent will have the ability to negotiate a long-term contract extension with the Steelers. Pittsburgh has Darnell Washington as well, but Freiermuth is, without a doubt, the best receiving tight end on the roster and it would be a mistake to let him walk when free agency comes in 2025.

Top tight ends in the NFL are making over $14 million per year. It's hard to buy into the fact that Freiermuth is deserving of such a big number due to his regression and unimpressive numbers. It's not all his fault, however, as it seems like the offensive scheme is not designed for him to have success. If the Steelers decide to extend him, the coaching staff better make him one of the top targets in the passing game going forward.

Freiermuth had a grand total of zero catches in Week 16, but had a nice block on Calvin Austin III's touchdown run that has gone pretty unnoticed due to Jaylen Warren's vicious block on Germaine Pratt. Pittsburgh has a bunch of money tied up on the defensive side of the ball and Freiermuth may have to take a little less than what he wants if he desires to stay in the Steel City for the long run.

Steelers Have Multiple Contract Decisions To Make In 2024 

Another guy who will get a sense of what his future looks like is Najee Harris. The team will need to decide if they are going to pickup his fifth-year option for 2025. In not doing so, the cash expected to go into his pocket in 2025 could end up in Freiermuth's. If Freiermuth cashes in, the biggest job for the Steelers' coaching staff moving forward will be to make him a focal point in the offense.

Do you think that Freiermuth deserves a big-time contract extension in 2024? Let us know in the comments below!

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