Steelers sign veteran tight end Pat Freiermuth to long-term deal
Before the Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off their 2024 season against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, the franchise locked in Pat Freiermuth. The tight end signed a four-year, $48.4 million extension.
Since being selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Freiermuth has become a key piece of the Steelers’ offensive game plan under coordinator Arthur Smith.
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“We were just so happy for Pat, man,” quarterback Russell Wilson said via ESPN. “He’s worked his tail off, just his composure, his leadership. I remember when I first got here … a bunch of us went out to dinner, and Pat was just talking about leadership, and I was able to listen to him and just hear, even though he’s such a young, talented player, he already has exudes this leadership about him and his confidence.
“It’s really tremendous. I’m excited for him, man. Anytime a guy gets acknowledgement in terms of financially and his family and everything else for all the hard work he’s done, that’s always a huge thing.”
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Freiermuth is coming off an injury-plagued season in which he played in only 12 games, recording 32 receptions for 308 receiving yards and two touchdowns. However, he experienced a breakout 2022 season, where he had 60 receptions for a career-best 732 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
The Penn State product will likely play a bigger role in the passing game due to the team’s lack of depth at the wide receiver position.
The Steelers earlier this week agreed to a three-year, $45 million extension with star defensive tackle.
