Pat Freiermuth

Career StatsB+

Year	Team	GP	Rec	Yards	TD
Career		78	261	2,676	22
2025		17	41	486	4
2024		17	65	653	7
2023		12

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Earning a B- Contract Value Index, Pat Freiermuth's 4-year pact reflects how Pittsburgh valued the tight end position market at $12.1M AAV. The grade sits in awkward middle ground — his B+ performance grade justifies retention, but the restructuring midway through the deal signals the Steelers weren't entirely comfortable with the original economics or his production trajectory. His 2025 output of 486 receiving yards across 17 games is respectable floor production for a starter, but it's not the volume that typically commands premium tight end money, especially when shared target opportunities are in play. At 27 years old with five seasons under his belt, Freiermuth is squarely in the prime earning window for his position, yet the offseason narrative — centered on role frustration and scheme fit under new coaching — frames this contract as a calculated gamble on potential resurgence rather than a deal grounded in recent dominance. The CVI landing here reflects that tension: the Steelers committed to him structurally, but the restructure acknowledged a gap between his current market value and his original contract promise. With a new offensive regime now in place, this becomes a prove-it season where Freiermuth either justifies mid-tier starter money or risks entering a market defined by doubt.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the B band — a quick read on where Pat's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Pat Freiermuth has established himself as a reliable mid-tier tight end in the NFL after five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 27-year-old veteran remains a consistent target in the Steelers' passing attack, though his current season performance has dipped to a B- grade following a more solid B campaign in 2024. He occupies the role of a steady receiver rather than a dominant playmaker, operating between elite tier options and developmental prospects at the position. This season, Freiermuth is posting above-average efficiency metrics that reveal genuine receiving capability. He's averaging 11.8 yards per reception, comfortably above the NFL benchmark of 9.19 yards, and is accumulating 28.6 receiving yards per game versus a league average of 10.67 yards. His touchdown production rate of 0.24 scores per game also exceeds the NFL average of 0.13, demonstrating consistent red-zone involvement. However, the gap between his current output and elite tier performance—which operates at 15.89 yards per reception and 44.19 yards per game—reveals a ceiling limitation that has defined his career trajectory. Looking ahead, Freiermuth's path depends heavily on offensive consistency around him and his ability to reverse the downward trend from 2023 onward. While his body of work suggests he's a capable complementary piece rather than a franchise-caliber tight end, stability in Pittsburgh's passing scheme could allow him to stabilize near his 2024 form. Monitor whether the Steelers' quarterback situation and offensive line investments unlock higher production levels next season.

How Pat Compares at the Position

Pat Freiermuth ranks 22nd of 164 graded tight ends by performance. That slots Pat between Dalton Schultz (B+) just ahead and Theo Johnson (B) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Pat Freiermuth enters 2026 as Pittsburgh's established tight end but faces notable perception headwinds despite his five-year tenure and $12.1M annual contract. Recent headlines reveal organizational uncertainty about his role—with explicit questions about whether he remains the TE1 and criticism of his ranking among league peers—suggesting the Steelers may be exploring alternatives or managing expectations. His public criticism of rookie QB Drew Allar, while perhaps justified, adds a layer of locker-room friction that media outlets have amplified, contributing to a narrative of declining influence rather than stability. Without Pro Bowl or All-Pro credentials to anchor his reputation as a franchise cornerstone, Freiermuth is vulnerable to perception shifts driven by roster moves and quarterback development. Media and fan sentiment appears cautiously skeptical rather than confident, positioning him as a solid but potentially expendable contributor rather than a long-term pillar.