Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Steelers' offensive performance against the Browns speaks volumes about what has become of Pat Freiermuth in Pittsburgh

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Rob Gregson | Last updated Oct 13, 2025 10:09 AM ET

Five games, eight receptions. That's the production for Pat Freiermuth so far this season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first year of a four-year contract extension, Freiermuth was supposed to be the second leading target getter on the Steelers' offense.

Well, on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, even though there was no Calvin Austin III, Pat Freiermuth wasn't the second most productive pass catcher; he was the fourth most productive tight end on the Steelers roster.

Meaning, it's time to have a serious conversation about where the Steelers and Muth go from here.

Pat Freiermuth records one reception for 11 yards against the Browns

Coming into the game, Mike Tomlin noted the need for heavier personnel at TE to combat the big defensive ends of 4-3 teams. He mentioned that as reasoning for why Muth didn't produce much against the Vikings, and almost foreshadowed it for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals (both of whom are 4-3 teams) on Thursday.

And it's one thing to see Jonnu Smith be more productive against the Browns. He's received more opportunities all season. But Darnell Washington had five targets, three receptions, and 62 yards. And oh, who was the TE who caught a tuchdown? Oh that's right it was Connor Heyward of all people.

Great catch by Connor Heyward but this is an elite arm strength throw.

Aaron Rodgers can’t move as well, but he still throws gas. #Steelers

pic.twitter.com/qB1bB9meD1
— Rob Gregson (@NFL_Rob) October 12, 2025

"We've been very transparent about Darnell's role," said Tomlin after the game. "[When] we play 4-3 teams we need a guy that looks like those 4-3 ends. It's a major component of our run game. Can't say enough about his efforts. And also Spencer Anderson, you know, there are weight classes in combat sports for a reason, they got big people out in that C and D gap area. And so do we when we deploy those two guys, and it really gives us a fighting chance."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by A to Z Sports Steelers (@atozsportssteelers)

I understand what Tomlin is saying about needing bigger bodies against teams that play with four down linemen. I understood it when he said it before the game. But how does using big TEs in the run game equate to more targets and receptions for Washington? More touchdowns for Heyward?

News flash, it doesn't.

So I'm not saying you should bet on it, and maybe everything changes against the Bengals this week, but I wouldn't rule out Omar Khan at least sniffing around on additional WR help with Freiermuth as a potential asset in whatever trade he may swing.

Because right now, Muth has a cap hit over $12 million. That's a lot of money to do some cardio.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: