Whether rescuing youth camp or bonding with new QB, Pat Freiermuth trying to become leader for Steelers

Pat Freiermuth’s decision to salvage a youth football camp from cancellation is the latest example of the 26-year-old tight taking on a leadership role — on and off the field — for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

When former Steelers wide receiver George Pickens canceled his scheduled appearance at the camp at the 11^th hour – it was supposed to be held this weekend – Freiermuth agreed to step in and participate, although he postponed the event until July 20.

Freiermuth has taken steps to be a more reliable and responsible member of the organization since he signed a five-year, $49.88 million contract with the Steelers last September that will keep him with the team through the 2028 season.

Consider that as the last remaining offensive link to the Ben Roethlisberger era, Freiermuth recruited another future Hall of Fame quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, to join the Steelers this spring. Rodgers, who signed with the Steelers prior to minicamp, said Freiermuth sent him more direct messages than any other player since the 41-year-old quarterback became a free agent in March.

Freiermuth also was the only Steelers’ offensive player to speak publicly when players cleaned out their lockers at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex after the wild-card playoff loss at Baltimore in January.

In May, Freiermuth discussed his desire to be one of the faces of the organization.

“I try to put my head down and be a leader for this offense,” Freiermuth said during organized team activities. “We have a lot of new faces on this team, and I try to uphold the standard I learned from older players when I got here.”

Freiermuth is just one of two players left – backup defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk is the other – from the 2021 draft class. While the Steelers allowed fellow Class of ’21 picks Najee Harris and Dan Moore Jr. to exit in free agency, they locked up Freiermuth with a four-year extension before last season.

When offseason workouts began this spring, Freiermuth made sure he regularly attended the voluntary sessions so he could work with the three quarterbacks under contract at the time — Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson and sixth-round draft pick Will Howard.

“It’s very important (to be here),” he said. “It’s important to spend time together, to talk about the base stuff in the offense so when we hit training camp, we can talk about further details. It’s important to work with these guys, get familiar with them and get on the same page.”

When Rodgers finally joined the team in June, Freiermuth was quick to embrace a chance to work with the NFL’s seventh all-time passing yardage leader. He made plans to spend time during the summer break working out with Rodgers.

“Like anyone else, you want to get to know him outside of football and also understand what he’s looking for on and off the field,” Freiermuth said. “Just like any relationship, getting to know the guy outside the helmet is important.”

When the Steelers assigned Rodgers a locker at the practice facility, it was the double stall that once housed Roethlisberger and was used last year by quarterback Russell Wilson. By no coincidence, Freiermuth’s stall is adjacent.

“He’s a super-talented guy and can do a lot of different things,” Rodgers said last week during an appearance on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show. “He can block at the point of attack, he can split out on routes. He can run trip routes, he can run seam routes.”

Lacking a dependable No. 2 wide receiver last year, the Steelers leaned on Freiermuth in the passing game although it times he seemed to be underutilized. He set career highs with 65 receptions and seven touchdowns, both career highs. His 653 receiving yards were the second highest total of his career and second on the team in 2024.

After trading Pickens this spring, the Steelers find themselves in a similar situation. They don’t have an established second receiver to pair with newcomer DK Metcalf. Which means the tight end group in general and Freiermuth in particular could be used frequently in Arthur Smith’s second season as offensive coordinator.

And Rodgers’ first at quarterback.

“I’m excited to catch footballs from him and be there for him whenever he needs it,” Freiermuth said. “I’m excited to be able to work the middle of the field.”

Freiermuth is optimistic that other young players on the Steelers offense will follow suit. The offensive line has just one veteran returning at the position he played last season, rookie Kaleb Johnson is expected to contribute at running back, and fourth-year receiver Calvin Austin III and third-year tight end Darnell Washington are looking to have breakthrough seasons.

“We’ve got a lot of young guys looking to build upon this year,” Freiermuth said. “They need to take on bigger roles, and we need them to win. They understand the role. They’re excited and have been working their (rear ends) off. The young guys understand the expectations we have of ourselves and about being a Pittsburgh Steeler.”

The Steelers used more multiple tight end formations than any NFL team last season. Given Smith’s history of tight end usage, that workload is expected to continue this year. For Freiermuth, that means remaining on the field in all situations. He played 69% of the offensive snaps last year, and he has worked on his blocking so he can stay on the field more frequently this season.

“You just don’t get one-dimensional in your game,” tight ends coach Alfredo Roberts said last season. “You grow your game, and you sharpen yourself to grow in all phases. If you want to be an elite guy, do elite (stuff). And that’s what he wants to do.”

That extends to activities away from the practice facility and Acrisure Stadium. The decision to fill in for Pickens is the most recent indicator of Freiermuth’s commitment.

“I feel very passionately about the Pittsburgh community,” Freiermuth told Around the 412 podcast this week. “Anytime something happens, I want to make sure I have the city of Pittsburgh’s back.”