PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers signed tight end Pat Freiermuth to a four-year, $48M extension just before the season began. While his usage has not been as heavy as seasons in his first two years, he is still pacing to double his production last year. For Freiermuth, however, it’s more about the big games ahead.
When asked about not getting as many targets compared to other receivers, Freiermuth knows the ball will come with patience.
“The ball is going to find me. You know, I’m not stressing,” Freiermuth said of his targets this season. “I’m just happy that, you know, we’re winning now and we’re 8-3; first in the AFC North.”
Despite the fourth-year pro out of Penn State’s outlook, he knows he will be needed with six big games down the stretch. Continuing to work and limit frustrations for Freiermuth is key.
“We got a lot of big-time football coming up … the worst thing I could do is complain or worry or stress.” Freiermuth said.
His contributions go beyond the passing game, as well. In offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s run-heavy offense, Freiermuth is willing to do the dirty work and sees improvement from previous seasons.
“Being involved in the game plan … is also about putting in a situation where they can be successful in me run blocking,” Freiermuth said of his usage. “Overall my game has improved a lot this year in all areas.”
Freiermuth also pointed out that sometimes it comes down to the game flow and what the defense presents.
With six games including two AFC North rematches, two games against the Cincinnati Bengals (starting this week), a trip to Philadelphia, and a Christmas Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs, “Muth” will likely hear his name chanted a lot more the rest of the way. He will be playing against four teams who have allowed a good amount of tight-end production this season.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.