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Radio host believes Steelers will announce a contract extension by this weekend

Is it possible the steelers give a large contract extension to Pat Freiermuth?

By Michelle Kotts

Dec 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) warms up before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) warms up before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports / Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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The first week of Steelers training camp is typically not a time for discussing contract extensions. It's a rare occurrence, usually reserved for instances where a player is holding out. The only recent instance of a contract extension taking center stage, in training camp, was for T.J. Watt, a situation that put significant pressure on the Steelers to reach a deal.

In the past few days, Pittsburgh journalist radio personality Andrew Fillipponi has stirred the contract extension rumor mill slightly by tweeting that he expects the Steelers to finalize a major contract extension this weekend.

He suspects the Steelers will ink a new deal with Pat Freiermuth. Well, if it happens, great. Fans love the 'Muuth' and would love to see him stay in Pittsburgh, but are the Steelers really going to rush through a contract extension at the start of training camp?

Is a contract extension looming

The Steelers will keep Freiermuth in Pittsburgh beyond the 2024 season. He is on record saying he wants to retire as a Steelers player. He is arguably one of the top 10 tight ends in the league, and he's poised to have a big season. However, is that at the top of the Steelers' priority list?

If one considers Cam Heyward, who sat out of spring OTAs for a contract extension, it did not prompt any movement by the Steelers to rush and give him an extension. Plus, the Steelers wouldn't even opt for Najee Harris' 5th-year option; why would they rush out at the start of training camp and finalize a deal with Pat Freiermuth?

Believe it or not, there's a compelling financial reason that could push the Steelers to act. If Freiermuth has a standout 2024 season and no contract extension is in place, the cost of signing him to a new deal at the end of 2024 will be significantly higher. By finalizing a deal now, they could save a substantial amount in the long run.

 Will a surprise contract extension be announced this weekend? It's unlikely, and this could just be a ploy to attract more listeners to his radio show or followers to his Twitter page. However, in the unpredictable world of the NFL, it's always wise to avoid making assumptions. While it's possible we could hear about a deal with Freiermuth, it's best not to get your hopes up.

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