The sophomore year tight end and rookie quarterback have a lot of time to get acquainted for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Former Penn State tight end, Pat Freiermuth put on a clinic in his first season on his way to being the second-best rookie tight end of his class (admittedly, being in the same conversation as Kyle Pitts makes things difficult). 60 receptions for nearly 500 yards and 7 touchdowns brought some echoes of another legendary Pittsburgh tight end, and to see that level of production out of the gate raised some eyebrows in Steeler Nation. 6 years after Heath Miller's retirement, the Steelers were not able to find an adequate replacement, leaving Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger without his trademark security blanket.
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Now, times have changed. Both Miller and Roethlisberger have retired, and a new era of Steelers football is on the horizon. The Steelers front office reacted quickly, scooping up University of Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett at number 20 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. With Freiermuth in their back pocket, the Steelers could build up the core around the former Heisman Trophy finalist, giving him the perfect opportunity to flourish. However, direct comparisons between the tandem of Roethlisberger/Miller and Pickett/Freiermuth aren't exactly 1:1 because of one simple reason: Pickett does not play like Roethlisberger, at least not entirely.
In fact, there might be a slight edge to the new-age combo.
Pickett was touted as an NFL-ready starter out of a fairly weak quarterback class in 2021. While great for Pickett, the lack of serious options left the Steelers with a huge choice: Take Pickett and start a new chapter or ride it out with newly signed free agent Mitch Trubisky and don't expect any enormous fireworks. The Steelers, of course, rolled the dice on Pickett, and many are urging the team to give the kid a shot come Week 1. The highest floor of any quarterback, Pickett is famed for attacking the middle of the field and picking apart defenses. His ability to thread the needle opens up room in the midfield for some easy plays, and you can imagine who will be setting up shop between the hash marks for the majority of the season.
Compare that to the highlight reels of Roethlisberger, finding Miller wherever he ended up being useful. Freiermuth, given that he keeps progressing in his body positioning and block shedding, will be primed for a football feast in the short game: not just the best option on broken plays, but the best option overall.
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That is, of course, unless this revamped receiving core doesn't create downfield space first.
But let's not forget to mention Pickett's mobility. Although mainly a pocket passer, the rookie dazzled at Pitt with his sharp, precise passing on the run. Sprinting out to his right and delivering a dime while the defense attempted to catch up had elements of prime Roethlisberger, but more so compared to the likes of Derek Carr or Patrick Mahomes. When the play breaks down, which it inevitably will, Pickett will be able to avoid making dangerous, risky throws down the sidelines. Instead, he'll just have to look for the behemoth of a man wearing number 88. In that way, Freiermuth will show his value, and Steeler Nation will be looking for him to take a big leap in 2022.
Like Barstool Sports's Jersey Jerry said during Pickett's birthday celebration, "Can I give you some advice? Freiermuth is always open."
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Next best QB/receiver duo for Steelers?
So, is the comparison exactly true? Well, the media will certainly pounce on it, and for good reason: it's a great story of two young players trying to escape the shadow of legends. However, I see the Pickett and Freiermuth relationship as more concrete than that of Roethlisberger and Miller. Given Pickett's strength in the middle of the field, and playmaking ability on the move, I see an offensive system where Freiermuth will be among the first reads, not just the last resort. These two young players will have years to build chemistry, make plays, and establish their own league-wide narrative as the next big quarterback-receiver tandem.
Until then, though, the comparisons to the hometown heroes will be ever-present. Steeler Nation can only hope they live up to it.
