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AFC North buzz: Pat Freiermuth a key to Steelers offense in 2024

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense looked a little better to end the 2023 NFL season, but there is still much improvement needed for Mike Tomlin’s crew.  As the team continues their search for a new offensive coordinator, the Steelers head coach has a vision of how he wants his offense to look in 2024.

"I want us to be versatile and dynamic," Tomlin said, via the team's official website. "Obviously, we've got to score more points. I want to be able to keep defenses off balance. I wanted to utilize all the talent that we have at our disposal."

A big piece of that versatility is tight end Pat Freiermuth who didn’t have the impact season the team was hoping.  Part of that was due to injuries, but a lot of that was because he, along with the other tight ends were underutilized in 2023.  That started to change towards the tail end of the season when Freiermuth hauled in nine receptions for 120 yards in a Week 12 matchup against the Bengals.  It was a vision of what production from the tight end position looked and what Freiermuth can do in the Steelers’ offense.

Whether its Mason Rudolph or Kenny Pickett at quarterback, more of that will be needed in 2024 because overall the team has the talent.  When George Pickens is locked in and Najee Harris is running the ball like he can run the ball, Pittsburgh can be a dangerous team given how solid they are on defense.

The offseason has barely begun, but unlocking Freiermuth is already a key in the 2024 NFL season.