The Pittsburgh Steelers have worked hard over the past two off-seasons to rejuvenate their stagnant offense. After the days of Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown torturing opposing defenses, the Steelers offense has struggled over the past few years. Those struggles hit a peak in 2021, as they ranked in the bottom-half of the league with just over 20 points per game.
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 28: Antonio Brown #84 celebrates his touchdown with Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Heinz Field on September 28, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
They've worked to rebuild through the NFL Draft mainly, as Najee Harris, Chase Claypool, and George Pickens are amongst the playmakers that have been selected early. Diontae Johnson is now the veteran of the group, but he was another piece the team drafted to be a part of the future. He'll remain with the young core for another three years now as well, after he signed a contract extension last week. With all of those prominent names, there's one offensive play-maker that some executives think is the best on the Steelers according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
"Some league personnel evaluators consider Pat Freiermuth as the most elite of the Steelers' play-makers. Don't be surprised if he's a top-10 tight end by season's end. A hamstring injury has affected his chemistry with the quarterbacks, but that should come together quickly upon his return."
That's right, Pat Freiermuth. In his rookie season, he provided some stability to a tight end position that needed it badly. The Steelers haven't had this kind of talent since the days of franchise legend, Heath Miller. Freiermuth's even received similar chants to Miller each time he catches the ball, as "MUUUUUUTH" brings back eerily similar memories to "HEEEEAAATHH."
In 17 games, 10 of which he started, Freiermuth caught 64 passes for 522 yards and seven touchdowns. He got more and more comfortable as his rookie season went on. As highlighted by his 8.3 yards per catch, he was essentially the security blanket for now-retired quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. While that led to more catches in some circumstances, it severely limited his ceiling in that offense.
Ben Roethlisberger to Pat Freiermuth for six. Here, Freiermuth (88) scores one of his two touchdowns during the first half of the NFL preseason game vs. the Lions. (Photo Credit: Fred Vuich/AP)
With Mitch Trubisky, or eventually rookie Kenny Pickett, slated to lead the offense in 2022, big things seem to be coming for Freiermuth. The offense will be opened up a bit more, particularly with a deep threat like Pickens now manning the outside. Tight ends coach, Alfredo Roberts, already discussed how Freiermuth will have an expanded role this upcoming season.
While he missed out on ESPN's top 10 tight ends list, as well as Madden 23's top 10-rated TE's, he seems primed for that list in the near future. Madden did in fact have Freiermuth as the second-highest rated play-maker on the Steelers with a 79 overall. Maybe the comments of those around the league aren't that far-fetched.
What are your expectations for Freiermuth in Year 2? Will he become a top-10 tight end in the NFL? Do you think he is/can be the team's best play-maker? Let us know your opinions in the comment section below!
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