Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has emerged as one of Aaron Rodgers’ most trusted targets following the trade of wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys in May. Pittsburgh sent Pickens, along with a 2027 sixth-round pick, in exchange for a 2026 third-round selection and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
Freiermuth opened up on Wednesday about the experience of suiting up alongside the four-time NFL MVP.
“He’s a future Hall of Famer, first ballot. Probably, arguably one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game. And just being able to go to work with him every single day, talk football, understand where his mind is—game planning wise and stuff like that—it’s just an awesome experience,” Freiermuth said.
Through the first five games of the season, Freiermuth recorded just eight receptions for 76 yards. However, he exploded in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals with five catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns. This performance marked the first time since 1953 that a Steelers tight end recorded over 100 receiving yards and two touchdowns in a single game.
Despite Freiermuth’s historic outing, the Bengals snapped the Steelers’ three-game winning streak. After the game, Aaron Rodgers was full of praise for the tight end.
“If you’re not receiving targets and you’re a high-paid player, it must weigh heavily on your mind and confidence,” Rodgers told reporters on October 16. “But Pat never complained about anything. He never made it about himself.”
Freiermuth also played a key role in Rodgers’ arrival in Pittsburgh by sliding into the quarterback’s Instagram DMs during the offseason. He has impressed Rodgers with his versatility, which the veteran quarterback highlighted back in June.
The Steelers have found their offensive identity over the past few weeks. They are averaging over 200 passing yards and 100 rushing yards while surpassing 300 total yards and 23 points in three consecutive games.
Pittsburgh will host the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday. The Colts currently hold the league’s best record with seven wins this season, presenting a tough challenge for Rodgers and the Steelers.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-pat-freiermuth-opens-gaining-aaron-rodgers-trust-george-pickens-departure