The Pittsburgh Steelers have been a busy team this NFL offseason. However, it seems like they are not done. The team reportedly saw the need to free up more cap space this season, modifying tight end Pat Freiermuth‘s contract.
Per Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live, the Steelers restructured Freiermuth’s deal. This will give the Steelers around $6 million in additional cap space for this year. The restructure pushes the cap hit into future years.
In 2027, Freiermuth’s contract is estimated at $12.1 million, while it falls to $10.5 million in 2028 if no more restructuring is done. Freiermuth is beloved by the Steelers fandom and is locked in for years to come.
Aaron Rodgers had great moments with Freiermuth
Last season, Freiermuth had to share snaps with Darnell Washington and Jonnu Smith, but he is the tight end one of this team. His hands are great, his routes are efficient, and his speed is great for a tight end. Aaron Rodgers surely loves that.
In 2025, Freiermuth had 486 yards for four touchdowns in 41 catches. Smith is gone from the team, so he should see more than the mere 51% snaps. That was a career low for Freiermuth, who prior to 2025, had 62% or more snaps played.
Steelers should use more TE plays
Freiermuth is a prolific tight end, Washington is a mountain of a man who is very hard to bring down. As for new head coach Mike McCarthy, he should expand the tight end usage. McCarthy could find mismatches using 12 personnel formations, he could improve the ground game, add protection to Rodgers, and have more red zone efficiency as well.
