Payday for Pat Freiermuth. According to Adam Shefter (ESPN), the 25-year-old tight end has signed a four-year, $48.4 million contract extension.
At the tight end level, this contract for $12.1 million per year now represents the 9th highest contract in the league. Pat Freiermuth is therefore between the Bear Cole Kmet ($12.5 million per year) and the Texan Dalton Schultz ($12 million per year). Unsurprisingly, the top of the ranking is occupied by Travis Kelce ($17.1 million annually), TJ Hockenson ($16.5 million) and George Kittle ($15 million).
In terms of production, Freiermuth finished the season with the 32nd most receiving yards for a tight end (308 yards and 2 touchdowns in 12 games). His best statistical season remains 2022 with 732 yards and 2 touchdowns. In 2021, which is roughly the last year the Steelers had a decent quarterback (Ben Roethlisberger), Freiermuth was mostly lethal in the end zone with 7 touchdowns. It was his rookie season.
Historically, Russell Wilson (and Justin Fields) are quarterbacks who have relied more on tight ends, which could benefit “Muth.” On the other hand, the mysterious use of Kyle Pitts in Atlanta by new Steelers coordinator Arthur Smith raises questions about Freiermuth's involvement in Pittsburgh's offensive game plan.
