Issues didn’t finish all that effectively in 2024 for fourth-year tight finish Pat Freiermuth of the Pittsburgh Steelers, as he had simply three receptions for 15 yards within the Wild Card Spherical loss to the Baltimore Ravens one week after dropping a vital fourth-down cross late within the common season finale towards the Cincinnati Bengals.
Regardless of that robust near the season, Freiermuth had a robust 2024 season after signing a four-year extension with the franchise, ending with 65 receptions for 653 yards and 7 touchdowns, reaching numbers he hadn’t achieved since his rookie season, at the very least from a touchdowns perspective.
However now, coming into the 2025 season, Freiermuth should be taught to work with a brand new quarterback, whether or not that’s Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph or rookie Will Howard after Justin Fields and Russell Wilson signed elsewhere within the offseason.
Through the 2024 season whereas working with Fields and Wilson, Freiermuth had some huge moments, together with six receptions for 65 yards and a rating towards the Bengals in Week 13, and eight receptions for 85 yards towards the Bengals in Week 18.
Now, with George Pickens traded to the Dallas Cowboys and DK Metcalf on the surface drawing main consideration, and no actual No. 2 choice within the passing recreation proper now, Freiermuth could possibly be in for an additional huge season that noticed him register 78 targets, particularly if Rodgers indicators at quarterback.
ESPN’s Mike Clay, in his projections for the Steelers’ offense for the upcoming season, appears to suppose so, projecting the Steelers to throw for 3,995 yards. Inside these projections, he has a robust season outlined for Freiermuth.
So, will Freiermuth go over or below the projection from Clay? Glad you requested.
PAT FREIERMUTH — 2025 PROJECTION FROM ESPN: 68 RECEPTIONS, 602 YARDS, 3 TDs
That projection from Clay for Freiermuth seems to be stable at first look, as he would have a rise in receptions. Nonetheless, it will additionally sign a drop-off in yardage and a major lower in touchdowns. With George Pickens traded to Dallas, the Steelers can have a gap to fill offensively within the passing recreation, and Freiermuth might step into a bigger function, particularly within the purple zone.
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith likes to make the most of tight ends, and that was clear in the course of the 2024 season for the Steelers. That ought to solely enhance in 2025, too, although it won’t come by Freiermuth, however somewhat a rise in utilization for a man like Darnell Washington, and possibly even some work for Donald Parham.
Until the Steelers exit and add a reputable No. 2 receiver to the froster this summer season, Freiermuth must be in line for lots of labor as soon as once more. But it surely’s arduous to see him having 68 receptions for simply 602 yards and three touchdowns. I feel he’ll be between 60-63 receptions as soon as once more, however put up 650+ yards and round 5 touchdowns, relying on the QB state of affairs.
Verdict: Over in yards and touchdowns, below in receptions
