As with all the skill players on the Pittsburgh Steelers, 2022 was a season of serious transition. With the retirement of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, expectations for all the skill players are tempered, including tight end Pat Freiermuth. However, Freiermuth proved to be invaluable to Kenny Pickett and added a whole new dimension to the offense.
On the season, Freiermuth was second on the team with 63 receptions. He was third on the team in receiving yards with 732 and had two receiving touchdowns. The biggest impact Freiermuth had as he built a rapport with Pickett was to open up the middle of the field in the passing game.
Freiermuth made a massive improvement in his receiving yards this season, due in large part to improved route running that gave him more separation and allowed him to run after the catch. Freiermuth only caught three more passes but had a remarkable 235 more receiving yards. This more than makes up for any drop in touchdown production.
Cast your vote and tell us what grade you give Freiermuth for 2022. For us, this one is an easy A. He’s growing into a better and better player in all phases and we haven’t even talked about his blocking which was key in the second half of the season. Freiermuth should be a star in this offense next season and break all the franchise records for Steelers tight ends.
