The Pittsburgh Steelers have a young and very promising tight end in Pat Freiermuth, who will be playing on the last year of his rookie contract in 2024. Freiermuth, 25, was drafted out of Penn State in the 2021 NFL Draft with the 55th overall pick. Since coming to Pittsburgh, Freiermuth has become a fan favorite that everyone wishes got the ball more.
Freiermuth is only set to make about $1.91 million in upcoming 2024 season. Since the tight end was not a first-round draft pick, a fifth-year option does not exist. Freiermuth will hit the unrestricted free-agent list in 2025 if he and the Steelers do not come to an agreement on an extension prior. After three seasons in a questionable offensive system, Freiermuth was able to average 51 catches for 512 yards each season.
He was able to catch seven touchdowns in his rookie season, but he had Steelers' legend Ben Roethlisberger. Freiermuth would only be able to secure two touchdowns in each of his next two seasons. Again, Freiermuth was in arguably one of the worst offensive systems the NFL during those years, and also dealt with injuries. Given the cards he was dealt, it's fair to say he has had an impressive first three seasons.
That brings us to the next point. What would the cost for a pass catcher like Freiermuth look like for the Steelers? According to Steelers' insider Ray Fittipaldo, a tight end these days of his stature would cost a fair amount.
"Even though he's never had more than 800 yards in a season, it could cost the Steelers $13-14 million per season to retain his services. That's the going rate for tight ends of his stature."
It's a tough decision for the black and gold. Freiermuth had the trajectory of becoming one of the most dominant tight ends in the league, but after a completely disappointing third season, the Steelers will have to reconsider extending him for such a price. It would be risky to not extend him and let him explore free agency. There are plenty of teams that have the cap space that would gladly give him that pay day.
After the new addition of Russell Wilson, Freiermuth will be catching passes from yet another quarterback in Pittsburgh. The two have already gotten after it this offseason by getting together for a workout ahead of training camp. Both will be counting on each other this season, as both of them are playing for big implications. Wilson's last shot as a starting quarterback will likely be with Pittsburgh, so guys like Freiermuth are going to have to make plays for him.
With new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in town, we should be counting on seeing an offense where tight ends like Freiermuth are heavily involved. Smith's past offenses focused on running the rock and utilizing the tight ends to their best potential. If there's any offensive coordinator that will help Freiermuth earn an extension like such, its Smith.
Other Important Steelers That May Need Extension
Wilson himself was also only given a one-year deal with the Steelers. The result of the Steelers' 2024 season will determine if Wilson gets to return to the Steel City or not. Behind Harris, running back Jaylen Warren's contract expires at the end of the season. Between Wilson, Freiermuth, Harris, and Warren, the Steelers will have their fair share with tough decisions to make on their offense.
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