Pat Freiermuth Shines in Tight End Role for Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth delivered an exceptional performance on Thursday night, recording five receptions on six targets for 111 yards and two touchdowns in a narrow 33-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. This standout showing further highlights Freiermuth’s critical role in the Steelers’ offense during the 2024 NFL season. Freiermuth, a 6-foot-5, 258-pound tight end, was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round (55th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Penn State. Now in his fourth season, he has played 67 games, accumulating 233 receptions for 2,377 yards and 18 touchdowns in his career, according to his Pro Football Reference stats. At just 26 years old, Freiermuth has already become one of the league’s more reliable tight ends, both in red zone efficiency and as a steady target for Pittsburgh quarterbacks. His recent performance against the Bengals marked one of the most productive games of his career, showcasing his ability to exploit defensive mismatches and contribute significant yardage after the catch. The two-touchdown outing also pushed his season total to 13 receptions for 187 yards, further cementing his status as a top offensive weapon for the Steelers this year. Freiermuth’s rise has been notable since his days at Penn State, where he built a reputation for strong hands and route-running. His transition to the NFL has been seamless, as evidenced by his consistent production: over 220 catches and more than 2,100 yards through just four seasons. As the Steelers continue to develop their young offensive core, Freiermuth’s presence as a go-to tight end adds a valuable dimension to their passing attack. With the Steelers currently battling for playoff contention, Freiermuth’s statistical impact and reliability in high-pressure situations make him a player to watch as the season progresses. Fantasy football managers and sports bettors alike should monitor his target share and red zone opportunities, as his usage trends upward within Pittsburgh’s evolving offense.