Pat Freiermuth can evolve into elite tight end in Steelers' 2024 offense

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a rich history of utilizing tight ends in their offensive schemes. With the arrival of Arthur Smith as the offensive coordinator, the stage is set for Pat Freiermuth to become a critical asset in the offensive strategy after his recent contract extension.

Despite his promising skill set, production dipped in 2023, highlighting a need for a change in utilization. A closer look at the stats shows why the Steelers must prioritize Freiermuth in their offensive game plan under new direction.

In 2023, Freiermuth managed just 308 receiving yards and two touchdowns over 12 games despite being targeted more than in previous seasons. It was a notable drop from his rookie season, when he scored seven touchdowns, showing a stark contrast in his red-zone effectiveness.

The drop in production reflects how the Steelers used him. Despite increased targets, his role in the offense hasn’t evolved in a way that maximizes his strengths as a versatile and reliable pass-catcher.

Arthur Smith goes from one impressive tight end to the next

Comparing Pat's trajectory to Kyle Pitts, who has been a significant part of Arthur Smith's offense with the Atlanta Falcons, highlights the potential for change. Pitts, drafted in the same year as Freiermuth, has recorded more yards and been more consistently involved.

Pitts thrived in various formations that allowed him to exploit mismatches against defenders. If Smith brings a similar approach to the Steelers, Freiermuth could see a significant uptick in targets and production.

The offense under Smith will shift towards a scheme heavily dependent on tight ends, especially in red-zone situations where Freiermuth excelled during his rookie year. Smith’s ability to develop tight ends and design plays that leverage their strengths could be what Freiermuth needs to return to form. His size, hands, and ability to find soft spots in coverage make him an ideal candidate for a more prominent role in the passing game, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line scenarios.

To get the most out of Freiermuth, the Steelers must adapt their scheme under Smith to feature him more prominently, not just as a check-down option but as a primary target. By doing so, they can unlock his full potential, creating a more dynamic and unpredictable offense that can challenge defenses.

The key to Freiermuth’s success—and by extension, the Steelers'—will be in how Smith integrates him into the offensive game plan, turning him into the red-zone weapon he has the potential to be. I believe the 2024 regular season provides Pat Friermuth a chance to become an elite tight end.