Imagine being a star tight end, only to find yourself benched more often than not. That’s exactly what happened to Pat Freiermuth in 2025, and it’s a story that’s both frustrating and eye-opening. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite his talent and potential, Freiermuth saw the second-lowest number of receptions and yards in his five-year career, playing barely more than half of the snaps—a career low. Was it a coaching decision, a shift in strategy, or something else entirely? Let’s dive in.
In a season where opportunities were scarce, Freiermuth found himself sharing the field with Darnell Washington (53% of snaps) and Jonnu Smith (52%), leaving him with limited chances to make an impact. On locker-room clean-out day, Freiermuth openly expressed his disappointment, telling Chris Ward of steelersnow.com, ‘I would say that I am disappointed with the lack of opportunities I was given, but at the end of the day, I’m a team player, and I was proud of myself for not making it about myself.’ His stats—41 receptions on 53 targets for 486 yards and four touchdowns—speak to his efficiency, but they also highlight the untapped potential that sat on the sidelines.
And this is the part most people miss: Freiermuth’s frustration isn’t just about personal stats; it’s about the belief that he could have contributed more to the team’s success. ‘It’s always about the team and what we can do to win,’ he said. ‘I feel like I could have been in situations where I could help the team win more. But the longer I’m here, I would like to see myself involved more.’ His words raise a critical question: Was the Steelers’ offensive strategy truly optimized, or did they leave a valuable asset underutilized?
Looking ahead to 2026, the Steelers are set for a major overhaul with a new head coach, offensive coordinator, and likely a new quarterback. Here’s the million-dollar question: Will Freiermuth stay? His contract runs through 2028, but with no guaranteed money left and cap hits of $11.2 million, $12.1 million, and $10.5 million, his future in Pittsburgh is far from certain. Could this be the end of his time with the Steelers, or will the new coaching staff see his untapped potential and give him the role he’s been yearning for?
Controversial take: What if Freiermuth’s limited usage wasn’t just a coaching decision, but a strategic move to preserve his value for a potential trade? Or perhaps it was a misstep that cost the team more than it gained. What do you think? Was Freiermuth unfairly sidelined, or was this the right call for the Steelers’ long-term strategy? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
