The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t actually remedy their drawback of who their quantity two receiver can be this 12 months. George Pickens is a identified commodity, however the remainder of that receiver room has query marks. Nonetheless, possibly it gained’t be a receiver however a good finish who fills that void. Pat Freiermuth has flashed nice skill previously, and possibly a greater offense will unlock him extra this 12 months. Ben Roethlisberger actually appears to suppose that could possibly be the case.
On a new episode of his podcast, Footbahlin’ with Ben Roethlisberger, the previous Steelers quarterback spoke about how Arthur Smith’s offense makes him consider Freiermuth is in for a giant 12 months.
“He’s a giant run recreation man, loves the tight finish,” Roethlisberger mentioned. “I feel Pat Freiermuth might have a very massive 12 months this 12 months. I feel they’ll make the most of him extra.”
Smith has already labored carefully with the Steelers’ tight ends, so Roethlisberger’s remark is right. Freiermuth had his worst skilled season final 12 months regardless of having his finest single-game efficiency. A lot of that may most likely be attributed to the Steelers’ terrible quarterback play and poor play calling, although.
Freiermuth had seven touchdowns as a rookie throughout his lone season with Roethlisberger in 2021, greater than he’s had within the two years since then mixed. Since retiring, Roethlisberger has advocated for Freiermuth’s extra in depth use, most likely as a result of he is aware of there’s extra expertise there.
Freiermuth additionally spoke about what an ideal mentor Roethlisberger was to him throughout that single season. That steering could be seen on the sphere at instances, with Freiermuth continually preventing for additional yards or working along with his quarterback when issues go off the rails.
With each the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons, Smith made certain to characteristic the tight finish ceaselessly. With the Titans, that participant was Jonnu Smith, who had his finest years with Smith. With Atlanta, it was Kyle Pitts, after which additionally Smith once more. Pitts was even the primary draft choose by the Falcons with Smith as head coach.
Week 1 is barely days away, so it gained’t be lengthy earlier than we get an concept of how Freiermuth can be used this 12 months. His contract can be up this 12 months, and if the Steelers don’t get an extension finished with him quickly, he might see a giant payday subsequent 12 months if he performs in addition to Roethlisberger believes he can. For the sake of the Steelers passing assault, somebody must step up, whether or not that’s Freiermuth or one of many different receivers.
