Pat Freiermuth made a devastated statement on Steelers QB Russell Wilson on the offseason program.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offseason program isn’t set to officially begin for another couple of weeks, but quarterback Russell Wilson is already engaging in workouts with a few of his pass-catching teammates, including tight end Pat Freiermuth.
During an appearance on the “Around the 412” podcast on April 4th, Freiermuth expressed his admiration for Wilson. “I recently joined him in San Diego for workouts and route sessions,” Freiermuth shared with co-hosts Zachary Smith and Tyler Weeks. “He’s been excellent in communication and initiating connections with everyone. He’s a remarkable individual.”
Freiermuth also mentioned that he, along with wide receivers Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson, trained together in San Diego.
The Russell Wilson-Pat Freiermuth Connection: Significance
While George Pickens stands out as the top pass catcher on the Steelers roster, it’s crucial for the team to integrate Freiermuth more into their offense in the upcoming 2024 season.
Freiermuth’s statistical performance in 2023 fell short of expectations, partly due to injuries and a shortage of targets when he was on the field. Last season, he averaged fewer than four targets per game, compared to 6.1 targets per game in 2022.
The fact that Freiermuth is already working out with Wilson even before the official start of the team’s offseason program should increase the likelihood of him playing a more prominent role in the offense this fall.
Freiermuth is expected to serve as a reliable target over the middle for Wilson, as he did in 2022.
Additionally, he should be one of Pittsburgh’s top red-zone targets, as evidenced by his seven touchdowns as a rookie in Ben Roethlisberger’s final season.
Wilson’s tenure with the Denver Broncos highlighted a deficiency in the intermediate passing game, with a majority of his attempts being either short-range passes or deep shots downfield. Even during his final seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson rarely targeted tight ends on intermediate routes.
However, Wilson’s successful collaboration with Jimmy Graham in 2017 demonstrates the potential impact of having a dominant pass-catching tight end. While Freiermuth may not possess the same elite traits as Graham, given sufficient opportunities, he could achieve a 700-yard, seven-touchdown season—critical for an offense lacking a clear-cut second wide receiver.
Freiermuth’s Revival Crucial for Steelers Offense and Future
Freiermuth’s resurgence will not only be pivotal for the Steelers’ offensive dynamics but also for his future with the team. The 2024 season marks the final year of his rookie contract.
Expressing his desire to remain in Pittsburgh during the “Around the 412” podcast, Freiermuth stated, “I envision staying in Pittsburgh for the duration of my career because it resonates with my upbringing and values.”
This sentiment echoes Freiermuth’s earlier remarks to reporters on locker room clean-out day, emphasizing his desire for a long-term association with the Steelers.
Whether Freiermuth secures a second contract with the Steelers could hinge on his performance in the upcoming 2024 season.
