Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth addresses entering final year of contract

Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth, a second-round pick in 2021, is entering the final year of his rookie deal in 2024. 

He knows this season will be pivotal in getting a second contract with Pittsburgh, where he hopes to spend the rest of his NFL career.

"I want to be in Pittsburgh for the rest of my career," Freiermuth said on the "Around the 412" podcast. "Hopefully it shakes out that way. I want to continue to play for Pittsburgh because it reminds me of where I'm from and how I was raised. So, hopefully it shakes out the way that I want it to in the next coming year or whenever that may be."

Freiermuth quickly became a fan favorite as a rookie, posting seven touchdowns, but he has struggled to stay on the field as of late.

Last season, Freiermuth suffered a hamstring injury which forced him to miss five games and resulted in his worst statistical season — a career-low in catches (32), receiving yards (308) and touchdowns (two).

The Steelers' subpar play at quarterback likely had an impact in Freiermuth's decline in numbers since he played with Ben Roethlisberger during his rookie season. That will not be an excuse this year, however, after the team acquired Russell Wilson in free agency and Justin Fields via a trade with the Bears.

Pittsburgh's addition of Arthur Smith as its new offensive coordinator should also set up Freiermuth for a successful 2024 season as he has typically used tight ends as a primary piece in his offense.

The team may still decide to extend the 25-year-old prior to the season, but he didn't say if those conversations had begun yet.

If Freiermuth is willing to take a hometown discount, the Steelers would likely entertain contract talks. However, he may want to take gamble on himself with a much-anticipated season ahead.

Either way, fans are certainly hoping the two sides can figure something out so they can continue chanting "Muuuth" for many years to come.