Steelers show love for tight ends by locking up Pat Freiermuth to long-term deal

Omar Khan is making things happen. Just days before the Pittsburgh Steelers were set to kick off their 2024 season against the Atlanta Falcons, Cameron Heyward agreed to a rich new deal that will keep him in Pittsburgh through the 2026 seasons. Now it's Pat Freiermuth's turn to earn his bag.

On September 6, two days before Pittsburgh's season opener, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network announced Freiermuth had inked a four-year extension with the Steelers worth $48.4 million. The 25-year-old tight end is set to be in Pittsburgh for years to come.

While the Steelers have no shortage of questions at the wide receiver position outside of George Pickens, their future at tight end looks secure. Now we can expect to hear 'Muuuuuuth' chants rolling in for the foreseeable future.

Following the 2022 season, Freiermuth made history when he became the first NFL tight end to earn at least 60 receptions in each of his first two seasons in the league. Unfortunately, the 2021 second-round pick was plagued with injuries in 2023 and missed significant action with a hamstring ailment.

This greatly decreased Freiermuth's statistical output last season, as he turned 47 targets into just 32 catches for 308 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Steelers value security on offense with Pat Freiermuth extension

Entering his fourth season, Pat Freiermuth isn't considered one of the elite NFL tight ends, but many would rank him inside the top ten at his position. With his new money average, Pat is earning $12.1 million per season. This puts him below Bears' tight end Cole Kmet ($12.5M per year), and just a hair above Texans' Dalton Schultz ($12M per year), according to Over The Cap.

In terms of average yearly value, Freiermuth is now the ninth-highest-paid player at the tight end position in the NFL. Based on his injury history and lack of production in 2023, some would argue the Steelers overpaid. However, this franchise values security and continuity. Meanwhile, the Steelers were set to be one of the top teams when it came to salary cap space in 2025.

This contract extension wasn't hard to see coming. Freiermuth is a reliable receiving tight end who has been at the mercy of quarterback Kenny Pickett and offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Now that OC Arthur Smith is calling the shots and a new quarterback is at the helm, the arrow is finally pointing up for the big tight end.

A history of concussions raises concerns about Freiermuth's longevity. If he can stay healthy and become an integral part of the offense, this will end up looking like a good contract for the Pittsburgh Steelers.