Steelers' Mike Tomlin gets super honest about Pat Freiermuth

The Pittsburgh Steelers' tight end room was expected to be a major strength in the 2025 season. Through the first five games, the Steelers offense has shown noticeable improvement, moving the ball more efficiently and creating more big-play opportunities. Despite these gains, the offense still has work to do to reach its full potential, particularly when it comes to balancing involvement among key playmakers.

Many Steelers fans have been surprised by the limited role of tight end Pat Freiermuth in the passing game. With Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, and Connor Heyward also in the mix, the target share has been difficult to divide, and Freiermuth’s opportunities have been fewer than anticipated. While he’s still a key part of the offense, the reduction in his reps has raised questions among fans and analysts alike about his role in critical situations.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin discusses situation regarding TE Pat Freiermuth

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has addressed the situation, emphasizing that the distribution is largely a matter of scheme rather than a reflection of Freiermuth’s talent or importance. Tomlin has repeatedly made it clear that he believes Freiermuth’s time to shine is coming and that the team fully intends to get him more involved as the season progresses. For now, it remains a matter of patience and strategic execution as the Steelers work to maximize the contributions of their versatile tight end group.

"I think that is very reflective of the environment here," Tomlin said on Monday. "I disagree with you. He’s a good teammate, we are winning games and gaining cohesion."

The reporter asked Tomlin about why Freiermuth hasn’t been complaining about his lack of targets. Tomlin believes it’s a reflection of the environment they’ve created, one that emphasizes a winning first mindset. 

He also made it clear that Freiermuth’s time to shine is coming.

"He’s certainly capable," Tomlin said. "He knows his time is going to come to ante up and kick in. He better be ready. I am sure he will be. That is just how we go about our business."

Through the first five games of the season, Freiermuth has been targeted just 11 times, recording eight catches for 76 receiving yards and no touchdowns. He has only technically started one of those five games. Tomlin has described it as a situational decision, explaining why Freiermuth hasn’t been on the field as much as usual. 

This has confused some pundits, who find it surprising given the sizable contract extension Freiermuth received a couple of seasons ago, suggesting he should be a more central part of the offense. He is under contract through the 2028 season. Freiermuth signed a four-year, $48.4 million contract extension with the Steelers on September 6, 2024.

Steelers' Pat Freiermuth looking for more targets

It’s obvious that a tight end as talented as Freiermuth would want more than 11 targets through five games. Whenever the Steelers were rumored to be pursuing Aaron Rodgers, Freiermuth was reportedly one of the most excited about the potential addition, even directly messaging Rodgers to encourage him to join the team. 

It’s clear he expected to be more involved in the offense, but he’s a team-first player who just wants to win. Freiermuth hasn’t made any noise about his lack of targets and continues to work hard to find ways to contribute more. Arthur Smith will surely continue to find ways to get the tight ends more targets.