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Behind the Steel Curtain fantasy football takes on Pat Freiermuth

Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Behind the Steel Curtain about Pat Freiermuth.

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Insights
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Insight ledger

All Behind the Steel Curtain insights about Pat Freiermuth

PositiveRoleSep 13, 2026
Freiermuth was back to being the leader in the tight end room after 2025 saw a big step back in terms of his usage. The sixth-year tight end outsnapped newly extended Darnell Washington, while posting five catches for 46 yards and a touchdown in Week 1. After recording the second lowest receiving total of his career in 2025, Freiermuth seems to have new life in the Mike McCarthy offense, showing more willingness to take shots up the seam throughout training camp and preseason.
PositiveRoleAug 9, 2026
Steelers offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio stated the team will continue to 'push the envelope' with Freiermuth's usage, especially when the coaching staff recognizes opportunities to isolate him one-on-one against opposing defenders. Angelichio praised Freiermuth for controlling the middle of the field. The Steelers appear intent on expanding his role beyond last year's 41 receptions for 486 yards under former OC Arthur Smith, who favored both Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington. Under new coach Mike McCarthy, Freiermuth's combination of size, hands, and route-running ability could create matchup problems against linebackers and force safeties to account for him, potentially opening opportunities elsewhere in the passing game. If Pittsburgh consistently creates isolated opportunities for him between the numbers, he could become an even bigger component of the passing game.
PositiveProjectionJul 23, 2026
Freiermuth recorded 486 yards and four touchdowns in 2025 despite playing in all 17 games, marking the second-lowest receiving yardage total of his career. However, he was productive when targeted with a career-best 11.9 yards per reception, and just over half of his catches went for first downs. With Jonnu Smith out of the picture in 2026, Freiermuth should have an easier time claiming the role of the team's top receiving tight end. McCarthy helped jump-start the careers of both Dalton Schultz (808 yards in 2021) and Jake Ferguson (761 yards in 2023) during their time in Dallas, suggesting Freiermuth could see increased usage and a potential career resurgence.