Sometimes the smartest thing you can do is the simplest. The Pittsburgh Steelers head into the 2024 season with a new offensive coordinator, a new scheme and a diverse roster.
One position the Steelers seem to be very deep at is tight end. Pat Freiermuth is just the tip of the iceberg for the depth chart. The Steelers also have Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, Rodney Williams and MyCole Pruitt who all can play.
Smith’s new offense has the capacity to focus heavily on the tight end as a by-product of multiple tight ends in the run game. Heyward talked to the media after training camp practice and said to expect to see two and three tight end sets this season.
Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Darnell Washington, Cory Trice Jr., Isaiahh Loudermilk, Dan Moore Jr., Connor Heyward, and Isaac Seumalo speak to the media after practice on Tuesday, July 30. @MillerLite pic.twitter.com/YXvpofxWqP
— Steelers Live (@SteelersLive) July 30, 2024
Versatility is the key. Freiermuth is more than capable of splitting out and isn’t only an inline tight end like Washington. The same goes for Pruitt. As for Heyward, his experience at both tight end and running back gives him the ability to play a hybrid role and work as an H-back.