After a breakout 2022 season, 2023 was a somewhat forgettable year for Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth.
Following an injury-plagued season, Freiermuth's stats plummeted while playing in a questionable offensive system designed by former offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
Even with this, NFL analyst Jared Dubin thought enough of him to place him at No. 14 on his latest top 20 tight end rankings for CBS Sports. Despite his struggles last season, a healthy Freiermuth under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith should result in a production similar to the 2022 season.
"Freiermuth missed a few games due to injury but even when healthy he took a step backward, along with the rest of Pittsburgh's offense last season. He posted career lows in receptions and yards per game, as well as success rate on those catches, and his yards per reception average dropped 2 full yards from 2022 to 2023. He's going to move up the pecking order in the passing game this year, though, and in a more functional offense should be able to tap back into what made him effective during his first two NFL seasons."
Health will most certainly be of utmost importance this upcoming season. Since his rookie year in 2021, Freiermuth has suffered three concussions. Last season, Freiermuth missed five games with a hamstring injury he sustained in Week 4 against the Houston Texans. Freiermuth finished the season with 32 receptions for 308 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
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