Pat Freiermuth Fantasy Overview

2024 Summary

Production & Fantasy Finishes

Freiermuth finished TE9 in total fantasy points (172.3) and TE13 in points per game (10.1) over 17 games.

He posted 65 catches (8th), 653 yards (12th), and seven TDs (T-4th) on 78 targets.

He notched seven TE1 finishes, making him a consistent mid-range fantasy starter.

Usage & Role

Freiermuth saw a 14.8% target share (16th among TEs), lining up 53.1% in the slot and only 30.1% in-line, emphasizing his role as a route runner over a blocker.

His volume held steady regardless of QB. In 11 games with Russell Wilson, Freiermuth averaged 4.7 targets, 41.7 yards, and 0.5 TDs. In six games with Justin Fields at QB, Freiermuth averaged 4.3 targets, 32.3 yards, and 0.3 TDs.

He was a frequent first read (18.3%, 11th among TEs) and made the most of his targets with an 87.8% catch rate (1st).

Efficiency Metrics

Freiermuth remained quietly efficient:

• 1.36 yards per route (23rd among TEs with 30+ targets)
• 69.8 PFF receiving grade (19th)
• 6.4-yard average target depth (23rd)
• 4.3 yards after catch per reception (27th)
• +0.9 YAC over expectation

According to Next Gen stats, his 3.5 average separation (14th) further highlights his ability to win underneath and in the intermediate range.

Offensive Context

The Steelers shifted run-heavy under Arthur Smith and Russell Wilson in the second half of 2024, with a 27th-ranked pass rate and -3.6% pass rate over expected.

Despite the low volume, Freiermuth remained involved, thanks to his slot usage and red-zone role.

Pittsburgh’s 13th-ranked pass blocking gave him time to get open, while the offense’s 52.6% pass rate limited his weekly ceiling.

Historical Production & Trends

Freiermuth's target share has fluctuated year to year (12.7% in 2021, 18.1% in 2022, 13.3% in 2023), but his 2024 campaign solidified him as a trusted, high-efficiency option in the Steelers' offense.

His seven TDs marked a career high and helped offset modest yardage totals.

Injury History

Freiermuth stayed healthy for all 17 games in 2024, his first year without missing a game due to injury.

In both 2021 and 2022, Freiermuth missed a game due to a concussion.

In 2023, he ended up on IR after Week 5 due to a hamstring injury.

There remain concerns about Freiermuth’s durability.

2025 Expectations

Projected Role & Competition

Freiermuth projects as the clear No. 1 TE in Pittsburgh, with minimal competition for snaps or targets at the position.

TE Darnell Washington had 25 targets in 2024 and had some plays drawn up for him by Arthur Smith.

Supporting Cast

Pittsburgh solidified the QB position by signing Aaron Rodgers in June. While no longer an elite passer, Rodgers will bring stability to Pittsburgh’s offense this season.

Among 32 qualifying QBs last year, Rodgers ranked:

• 27th in completion rate
• 22nd in adjusted completion rate
• 25th in yards per attempt
• 15th in Pro Football Focus passing grade

The Steelers return most of their starting OL from last season with OT Broderick Jones and interior OL Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick. 2024 first-round pick Troy Fautanu is expected to get the start at RT.

Last season, the Steelers ranked 13th in ESPN’s pass-blocking success rate (62%).

Coaching & Offensive Scheme

OC Arthur Smith’s offenses have historically emphasized the run, with pass rates often hovering around 50%.

Last season, the Steelers had a 50.7% pass rate overall, but it rose to 52.6% with Russell Wilson at QB (which ranked 27th in the league).

Smith does like to play a bit more uptempo than expected with 64.1 plays per game last season, ranking 11th fastest.