The Pittsburgh Steelers had a few players eligible for contract extensions this offseason. They announced early on that they were deferring the decision on running back Najee Harris until after the season was over. That left defensive tackle Cameron Heyward and tight end Pat Freiermuth to be handled before the season begins, which is the team's self-imposed deadline.
Chaz Palla / Tribune-Review
Steelers' Cameron Heyward.
It is not uncommon for the Steelers to wait until just before the season starts, so it wasn't a surprise when Heyward was extended. The team announced that they worked out a new contract with Heyward, which was shortly followed by the news that that they had also extended Freiermuth. The two agreed on a new four-year, $48.8 million deal, according to Ian Rapoport.
Freiermuth hopes to return to the production he had in his first season before Ben Roethlisberger retired. New Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith is known for his creative use of his tight ends, and Freiermuth has shared that he is really excited about what this season may bring. It makes sense for Pittsburgh to lock him in now prior to his resurgence this season in Pittsburgh's new and improved offense.
Of course, Freiermuth's teammates are happy for him. As soon as the news broke, both of his potential starting quarterbacks, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, spoke to the media to share their excitement for him. According to a video posted to X by Cassidy Wood from KDKA, Fields made sure that Freiermuth knows there's an expectation that goes along with this new paycheck.
"It was awesome," said an enthusiastic Fields. "Definitely celebrating and making some jokes with him about how he's paying for the next offensive dinner. But glad he was able to work that out and excited to see him play Sunday."
Under prior offensive coordinator, Matt Canada, it felt like Freiermuth was often forgotten, so most fans are hopeful he will have a surge in production this season. This is especially true given the Steelers' failure to secure a solid wide receiver two (WR2) during the offseason.
USA Today
Steelers' Connor Heyward shakes hands with Pat Freiermuth after a big play.
Fields wasn't the only quarterback who was impressed by Freiermuth. Wilson also shared with Wood that he was immediately impressed by Freiermuth's maturity and strong leadership skills.
"He's worked his tail off, his composure, his leadership, said Wilson. "I remember when I first got here, Pat and I, and some of the guys, Cam [Heyward], Connor [Heyward], and a bunch of us guys went out to dinner, and Pat was just talking about leadership. I was able to just listen to him and hear that even though he's such a young, talented player, he just exudes this leadership about him and this confidence. I'm excited for him. Anytime a guy gets acknowledged in terms of financially, for his family, for all the hard work he's done, that's a huge thing. He's worked so hard. He's a great teammate, a great friend."
One key for Freiermuth will be his health. He has been a bit injury-prone during his career, having suffered three concussions in as many seasons. Draft Sharks labels him a "very high risk" of injury at 88.3%. However, when healthy, Freiermuth is proven to be a formidable receiver.
Steelers' Darnell Washington Won't Be Missing Out
Freiermuth won't be the only tight end potentially playing in the first game of the 2024 season against the Atlanta Falcons. On Thursday, fellow tight end Darnell Washington was a bit of a surprise on the injury report with a knee injury. He was listed as "did not participate."
This was initially concerning considering Washington is meant to be featured in Smith's offense alongside Freiermuth. The Steelers also have Connor Heyward and MyCole Pruitt on the roster and all of the tight ends have very different skills. Where Freiermuth is known for his receiving abilities, Washington is known for his blocking abilities and has been a key part of the team's passing game.
Karl Roser / Steelers.com
Steelers' Darnell Washington makes a catch during camp.
Fortunately, Washington was cleared to play on Friday, according to The Athletic reporter Mike DeFabo, who tweeted that the second-year tight end no longer carries an injury designation. That's very good news, considering many feel he is set to have a breakout year.
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