The Pittsburgh Steelers introduced in a handful of big-name gamers offensively this offseason, led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, in an effort to assist recover from the hump within the playoffs.
Large receiver DK Metcalf and tight finish Jonnu Smith additionally joined the combination offensively this offseason, in addition to rookie operating again Kaleb Johnson. However it’s a pair of acquainted faces that are actually being missed only a bit that would assist form the Steelers’ season offensively.
That will be operating again Jaylen Warren and tight finish Pat Freiermuth.
In a CBSSports.com piece Wednesday morning, Warren and Freiermuth have been highlighted among the many prime 50 under-the-radar gamers who may form the 2025 season. Warren was highlighted as the highest operating again, whereas Freiermuth was the second tight finish listed.
Warren is in line to be the Steelers’ No. 1 operating again with Najee Harris off to Los Angeles. However the presence of Johnson may make that tough, to not point out Warren’s damage historical past and fumbling points.
“Warren’s numbers have been down considerably from his breakout 2023 through which he recorded 1,154 yards from scrimmage, however his capability to bounce again will likely be essential,” CBS Sports activities’ Zachary Pereles writes. “Warren is a clean receiver out of the backfield, and that ought to be rather more on show this season with Aaron Rodgers taking up below middle after Russell Wilson and Justin Fields shared these duties final yr.
“Moreover, Warren ought to see a major floor workload alongside third-round rookie Kaleb Johnson.”
Although Warren had some flashes final season, his numbers took a dip. He averaged simply 4.3 yards per carry and noticed his speeding makes an attempt and receptions decline drastically from the 2023 season. It didn’t assist that he missed two video games, however when he was on the sector he wasn’t utilized as a lot.
That ought to change this season. Whereas Johnson ought to change into the Steelers’ true No. 1 operating again sooner or later this season on account of his slot in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s scheme, Warren has an opportunity to begin the yr rapidly within the lead position and try and seize maintain of it for the season.
As for Freiermuth, previous to the Jonnu Smith addition it appeared that the Penn State product would profit essentially the most of any weapon offensively from the addition of Rodgers. The center of the sector goes to be an enormous level of emphasis this season for the Steelers, and Freiermuth usually feasts there.
However there’s only one soccer to go round. Nonetheless, Freiermuth ought to have a powerful yr with Rodgers below middle.
“Coming off career-high 65 receptions, Freiermuth is a hulking 6-foot-5 and 257 kilos who can actually get rolling in a straight line,” Pereles writes. “Pittsburgh’s receiving choices behind DK Metcalf are restricted, and Freiermuth may emerge as a trusted (he caught 83% of his targets final yr, better of all tight ends) and high-volume possibility for Rodgers.”
Freiermuth has had his points as a blocking tight finish, however there’s no denying how stable he’s been as a receiver. Final season was his best one since his rookie yr, Freiermuth hauling in 65 passes for 653 yards and 7 touchdowns. As a rule, when the ball hit his arms, he was hauling it in.
That must proceed this season, even when his targets decline as a result of additions of Metcalf and Smith, and the emergence of fellows like Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson.
The items are in place offensively in Pittsburgh. However quite a bit will journey on the likes of Warren and Freiermuth benefiting from their alternatives in 2025.
