Pat Freiermuth Could Thrive as Steelers Shift Offensive Approach Under McCarthy

If anyone endured a frustrating 2025 season for the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was tight end Pat Freiermuth. The former Penn State Nittany Lion thrived during his first season under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in 2024. However, the Steelers then traded for Smith favorite Jonnu Smith. In a puzzling move, they significantly reduced Freiermuth's snap count. Despite delivering a standout performance on Thursday Night Football in Cincinnati, Freiermuth rarely saw the ball come his way. At times, Smith hardly looked his direction at all. However, Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo doesn't expect that trend to continue in 2026.

In his Pittsburgh Post-Gazette piece, Fittipaldo specifically said the Steelers should make a concerted effort to get Freiermuth more involved.

“He was labeled and typecast as a zone breaker by Mike Tomlin. I don’t think the previous staff viewed him as someone who could have a lot of success against man coverage,” Ray Fittipaldo said. “I think there will be a big effort to get more out of Freiermuth.”

Freiermuth must be more involved in the Steelers offense

Freiermuth never complained during his frustrating 2025 season. Instead, he supported teammate Darnell Washington and produced whenever the Steelers called his number. With Smith now gone, however, head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio need to make Freiermuth a focal point of the offense. The Steelers now have a more complete wide receiver room, making Freiermuth an even more valuable weapon.

With improved receivers on the outside, opposing defenses may have to match linebackers against Freiermuth instead of safeties or cornerbacks in passing situations. He has consistently shown he can exploit zone coverage while also creating separation against inside linebackers in man coverage. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has long trusted his tight ends in the red zone, and McCarthy's pass-heavy offense should naturally create more opportunities for Freiermuth.

McCarthy's Steelers should create more opportunities for Freiermuth

Regardless of how the previous coaching staff viewed him, Freiermuth remains a Pro Bowl-caliber player who creates matchup problems. McCarthy's offense is not only more pass-heavy, but it also emphasizes stretching the field vertically. That approach should create plenty of space underneath for Freiermuth to operate. When Smith deployed him effectively in 2024, Freiermuth consistently capitalized on those opportunities.

Late in his career, especially with the Steelers, Russell Wilson generally relied on two options: throwing the deep ball or checking it down. Although that approach contributed to the team's late-season collapse, it also produced results at times. Defenses had to respect Wilson's deep passing ability, which opened favorable matchups underneath for Freiermuth. He finished the 2024 season with 65 receptions for 653 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns. McCarthy's offense could create similar opportunities.

At the very least, Freiermuth should have a much better chance to bounce back under McCarthy in 2026.