5 second-year Pittsburgh Steelers poised for big seasons in 2022
By Tommy Jaggi
Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth
It’s hard to be disappointed in Pat Freiermuth’s rookie season. While we would have all liked to have seen him get targeted more frequently in the passing game, he was remarkably efficient which his targets and proved to be a nightmare in the red zone in his first season.
Additionally, Freiermuth was outstanding blocking on the move and every shred of evidence points to him being a do-it-all tight end for the Steelers for years to come. This is one player I certainly don’t see regressing in year two.
On top of having a full year of experience under his belt, Freiermuth could also benefit from seeing a bigger role in the passing game. This could certainly happen if JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Washington sign elsewhere in free agency. Even if JuJu returns, Freiermuth is going to be too good in this department not to carve out a bigger role in his second season.
I know it’s early, but I really believe Pat Freiermuth is one of the most valuable young tight ends in the NFL moving forward who can do a number of teams really well for his football team. I would be surprised if he started getting some Pro Bowl consideration in his second season.