Aaron Rodgers Wants an Increased Role for a 2026 Steelers 27-Year-Old TE
Pat Freiermuth was underutilized throughout the 2025 season. According to The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac, he played the fewest snaps of any Steelers tight end. Under a new coaching staff, the team has made it clear it plans to expand the roles of underused players in 2026. With DK Metcalf, expected to be their star wide receiver, struggling to catch passes, the team's commitment to feature these players will likely continue.
In a post-practice interview on Wednesday, veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers said he believes Freiermuth should have a bigger role. Chris Adamski of The Trib Live posted on X, “Aaron Rodgers on Pat Freiermuth: “We gotta get him involved as much as possible. He’s been super reliable. He’s catching the ball well. He’s a fantastic player, great guy in the locker room, a great guy in the huddle, and we’ve got to keep finding ways to get him more targets.”
Former Steelers nose tackle Chris Hoke also believes that the team should rely on Freiermuth more. During an appearance on Pittsburgh’s 93.7 The Fan on September 17th, he remarked, “If I was the Steelers and it was 3rd-and-5, I’d just dump the ball down to Freiermuth. He’s always open. Get the ball and dump it.” He shared his thoughts about the 27-year-old’s performance in the Steelers’ Week One victory over the Atlanta Falcons, saying, “He catches combat catches, and I saw him turn and run, and run over people a couple of times in this game. I think he looks energized. I think he looks ready. Aaron Rodgers said he had an incredible training camp. For me, in my eyes, I think Freiermuth is as high as he’s been in a couple of years.”
Freiermuth spoke with the media on September 16th. He said, “I have a lot of belief in myself that I can contribute to this offense and the organization and be a valuable piece of it.” The 27-year-old added, “I’ve always thought that way. This weekend, really this whole offseason, I’ve worked for it, but it’s been appreciated, the trust in the backing of the front office and the organization.”
Across two games in 2026, Freiermuth has caught nine of 10 passes for 78 yards. That averages 8.7 yards per catch. The Penn State alumnus is the only Steeler to score an offensive touchdown so far this season. He has a higher catch rate than Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Darnell Washington, Jaylen Warren, and Germie Bernard.
Freiermuth has a proven track record as a reliable, productive player when targeted. His stats can fluctuate based on offensive usage. The Penn State alumnus has played in 80 games for the Steelers. He’s amassed 270 receptions for 2,754 yards and 23 receiving touchdowns.
After the Steelers’ devastating loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday, they need to make some changes. Targeting a big-bodied receiving threat more won’t solve all their problems, but it will certainly increase their chances of scoring. Pittsburgh’s six-foot-five tight end has been one of their few consistent players this season. The team needs to make getting Freiermuth more involved a priority. He’s proven to be reliable when called upon.
