With Wilson and fellow free agent acquisition Justin Fields likely to face off in a competition for starting duties in 2024, determining which passer the Steelers’ pass catchers mesh best with will be pivotal in deciding who takes the first snap for Pittsburgh in Week 1.
According to the Athletic’s Mark Kaboly, Pat Freiermuth has developed a notable rapport with veteran QB Russell Wilson so far after spending time with his new quarterback earlier this spring, as well. With Diontae Johnson bag chasing in Carolina, the Steelers’ receiving corps. now features George Pickens and Freiermuth as the top two targets for the Steelers QB platoon. With a top-8 fantasy finish under his belt back in 2022, Freiermuth has proven that he can be a weekly set-and-forget starter at the tight end position. With injuries and questionable, at best, QB play dismantling his 2023 campaign, the veteran tight end will be looking to bounce back in new OC Arthur Smith’s system in a contract year.
Despite Smith’s insistence on eschewing his star players in favor of the recently signed Mycole Pruitt during his time in Atlanta, Freiermuth remains easily the safest bet to check in as the No. 2 option in Pittsburgh’s passing attack – with the potential to get back to his TE1 ways if the Steelers are able to coax consistency out of their retooled QB room.