Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers tight ends deserve more respect than what they are getting from around the league.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the best tight end duos in the NFL in Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith following their blockbuster trade with the Miami Dolphins last month. However, they’re not getting the respect they deserve from those around the league.
Neither Freiermuth nor Smith cracked the NFL’s top 10 tight ends for 2025, which is voted on by league executives, coaches and scouts. Both are listed as honorable mentions, but it’s not because of their own doing.
“I’ve always been a huge fan [of Freiermuth],” one NFC scout said. “He’s a really freakin’ good football player. Has three-down ability, reliable in the passing game. He’s just had bad quarterback play.”
Freiermuth began his NFL career with Ben Roethlisberger as his quarterback. As a rookie, he recorded 60 catches for 497 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns.
However, since then, it has been a mixed bag as Freiermuth has played with quarterbacks Mitchell Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, Justin Fields and Russell Wilson.
Then there’s Smith, who’s coming off the best season of his eight-year NFL career. In 2024, he recorded a career-high 88 catches for 884 yards and eight touchdowns with the Dolphins.
One veteran AFC personnel executive believes Smith is a little too one dimensional, though.
“Best in the NFL after the catch. Can really run,” he said. “Not an elite blocker at this stage.”
Freiermuth and Smith will have an opportunity to prove their doubters wrong this season, especially while playing with arguably the best quarterback both of them have had in Aaron Rodgers.
So maybe this time next year, they’ll both be among the NFL’s top 10 tight ends.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: NFL Execs Disrespect Steelers Tight Ends in Latest Ranking
