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 enters his fifth NFL season as one of Pittsburgh's most reliable offensive anchors, a former second-round pick who has grown into a legitimate starting tight end. Earning a B+ overall grade, Freiermuth sits comfortably above average among NFL tight ends, offering dependable production without the elite splash of top-tier options like Sam LaPorta or Trey McBride. His receiving yards per game of 28.6 nearly triples the NFL average of 10.67, reflecting consistent target volume and scheme trust from Pittsburgh's coaching staff. His yards per reception of 11.8 also clears the league average of 9.19, demonstrating meaningful yards-after-catch ability and route competency at the intermediate level. On the touchdown front, Freiermuth converts at 0.24 scores per game against an NFL average of 0.13, confirming his value as a red-zone weapon. The gap between his current output and the elite threshold of 44.2 receiving yards per game does reveal a ceiling concern — he profiles as a high-floor, lower-ceiling contributor rather than a true game-wrecker. His recent trajectory tells an encouraging story. After a C in 2023, Freiermuth climbed to a B in 2024 and carries a B- into 2025, showing gradual and sustained development heading into his prime years. If Pittsburgh stabilizes at quarterback and Freiermuth continues trending upward, a breakout B+ or A- season is well within reach by 2026.

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 a reliable mid-tier tight end whose perception is anchored by five years of consistent production without elite accolades or All-Pro recognition. Recent headlines reflect organizational stability rather than breakout momentum—the contract restructure signals the Steelers' commitment to keeping him in the fold, while coverage of his work with rookie QB Drew Allar frames a potential resurgence narrative under new offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy. Media interest remains modest and constructive, with no scandal or performance criticism dominating the discourse, suggesting neutral-to-cautiously-optimistic fan sentiment. His 2,676 career receiving yards and $12.1M annual salary position him as a dependable starter rather than a marquee weapon, and the lack of Pro Bowl selections keeps him in the solid-contributor category rather than star tier. Heading into 2026, Freiermuth's perception hinges on whether McCarthy's system unlocks improved efficiency and volume—a bounce-back is plausible but unproven.