Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth is set to play a pivotal role in the team's offense, benefiting directly from quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the arrival of new head coach Mike McCarthy.
During a recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Freiermuth discussed his evolving responsibilities and how early offseason workouts signaled a major shift in how the coaching staff plans to utilize the tight end room. When asked when he realized he would become a central figure in the new system, Freiermuth pinpointed the earliest stages of team activities.
“Yeah I definitely see myself as more of a focal point of the offense. Definitely probably OTAs and camp I started to getting to kinda that Aaron and Coach McCarthy were going to use my strengths.
And I just feel like it was kind of a natural process trying to lean on the tight end room with me and Darnell [Washington] throughout the camp and OTAs.”
"I definitely see myself as more of a focal point of the offense..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 13, 2026
Aaron Rodgers and Coach McCarthy are using my strengths" ~ @pat_fry5 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/s0tu480GsI
The tight end’s comments highlight a clear tactical adjustment for Pittsburgh. Under McCarthy's play-calling and Rodgers' veteran presence under center, the offense is placing a renewed emphasis on middle-of-the-field targets and multi-tight-end sets.
Partnering with fourth-year tight end Darnell Washington, Freiermuth gives Rodgers two distinct, physical options, Freiermuth offering dynamic route-running and reliable hands, paired with Washington’s imposing frame and blocking prowess.
For Steelers fans, Freiermuth's increased involvement is a welcome development. Rather than serving primarily as a safety valve, he is being intentionally schemed into the progression to exploit matchups against linebackers and safeties. As the unit continues to build chemistry through the regular season, establishing a high-volume tight end tandem could provide the baseline consistency Pittsburgh needs to maintain a high-powered, balanced attack.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Pat Freiermuth talks role in Aaron Rodgers, Mike McCarthy offense
