The Pittsburgh Steelers are methodically constructing the foundation of their offense for the years ahead, and they’ve made it abundantly clear that tight end Pat Freiermuth is the centerpiece of their ambitious blueprint. By inking the ascending star to a four-year, $48.4 million extension that secures his services through the 2028 season, the Steelers have boldly declared their unwavering faith in Freiermuth’s ability to be the linchpin of their aerial attack.
While the departure of Najee Harris leaves a void in the backfield, the Steelers are well-equipped to fill it with a stable of promising young running backs. Chief among them is the elusive Jaylen Warren, who flashed tantalizing potential in limited action last season. His impressive 5.3 yards per carry in 2023 and versatility as a pass-catcher out of the backfield make him a prime candidate to shoulder the load in the post-Harris era.
Investing in the Future
The Steelers’ commitment to building a powerhouse offense is evident in their recent draft choices. By spending first-round picks on offensive tackles Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu in consecutive years, Pittsburgh has made it clear that fortifying the trenches is a top priority. This infusion of young talent upfront should pay dividends in both pass protection and run blocking, providing a sturdy platform for the skill position players to showcase their abilities.
Unleashing the Aerial Arsenal
In addition to Freiermuth, the Steelers boast a pair of explosive young wide receivers in George Pickens and Calvin Austin III. Pickens, in particular, has the potential to develop into a true alpha receiver if he can harness his immense talent and avoid the off-field distractions that plagued him in 2024. His impressive 15.3 yards per reception last season hints at the game-breaking ability that could make him a nightmare for opposing secondaries.
“I don’t think there need to be too many changes just because we got the talent, we got the guys, we got the mindset, we got the fight,” Austin said after the wild-card loss to the Ravens.
– Calvin Austin III
Austin, meanwhile, emerged as a reliable complementary weapon in 2024, amassing 548 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns while showcasing his ability to stretch the field vertically. If Pickens and Austin can continue to develop and refine their route-running, the Steelers’ passing game has the potential to be among the most dynamic in the league.
The Quarterback Conundrum
Of course, the elephant in the room is the uncertainty at the quarterback position. The Steelers have yet to identify their long-term answer under center, and the success of their offensive rebuild will hinge largely on their ability to find a signal-caller who can effectively orchestrate the wealth of talent at his disposal. Whether they opt to address the position through the draft, free agency, or a trade, it’s clear that the quarterback decision will be the most critical piece of the puzzle.
Regardless of who ultimately takes the reins of the offense, Freiermuth remains the constant that the Steelers can build around. His reliability as a pass-catcher, improved blocking skills, and leadership qualities make him the ideal centerpiece for a unit brimming with potential. As he embarks on the next chapter of his career with a hefty new contract in tow, Freiermuth is poised to cement his status as one of the premier tight ends in the game and the face of the Steelers’ offensive renaissance.
“We got to take that leadership role and whatever happens, free agency or whoever we bring in, we got to let them know what the standard is and what it means to be a Pittsburgh Steeler,” Freiermuth said.
– Pat Freiermuth
The pieces are in place for the Steelers to construct a formidable offensive juggernaut in the years to come. With Freiermuth as the focal point, a promising young core of skill position players, and a commitment to fortifying the trenches, Pittsburgh appears to be on the cusp of recapturing its identity as a perennial playoff contender. As the post-Roethlisberger era continues to take shape, Steelers fans have every reason to be optimistic about the direction of their beloved franchise.
