PITTSBURGH – Every offseason brings difficult decisions, but this one hit the heart of Steelers Nation. The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially released tight end Pat Freiermuth, a move that saves the team over 30 million dollars in future cap space but leaves a noticeable void in the locker room and in the hearts of fans.
The decision was confirmed over the weekend, ending Freiermuth’s tenure in Pittsburgh after four seasons. Drafted in the second round out of Penn State, he quickly became a fan favorite for his reliable hands, toughness over the middle, and genuine love for the city. His “Muuuth” chants echoed through Acrisure Stadium every time he hauled in a clutch catch.
But as the business side of football often reminds everyone, love doesn’t always pay the bills.
A Cap Casualty in a Tight Market
Financially, the decision made sense. With a re-sign period that saw major extensions handed to Alec Pierce, Nate Carter, and Lewis Cine, the Steelers were tight against the cap heading into the new league year. Releasing Freiermuth frees up over 30 million dollars in future salary commitments, giving general manager Mike Tomlin and head coach DK LaFleur breathing room to continue shaping the roster.
“It’s never easy moving on from a player like Pat,” LaFleur said in a press conference. “He’s the kind of guy every coach wants in their building, as he’s smart, dependable, and respected by everyone. However, we have to make hard choices to keep this roster balanced. It came down to fit, usage, and the direction we’re going offensively.”
LaFleur’s honesty paints the picture clearly: this was not about ability, but about fit.
A Scheme-Driven Decision
Under DK LaFleur, the Steelers’ offensive identity has shifted toward a more modern, spread-based system that emphasizes spacing, mismatches, and speed. The tight end room, led by Darnell Washington and Jonnu Smith, has already adapted to that evolution.
Washington, the 6’7” physical marvel, has emerged as the secondary tight end weapon combining size, blocking, and vertical threat potential. Smith, meanwhile, serves as the team’s primary tight end, often creating mismatches or motioning pre-snap to create favorable matchups.
Freiermuth, for all his skill and reliability, simply didn’t fit that blueprint. He saw most of his snaps in three-tight-end formations, which were used sparingly in LaFleur’s offense.
“We weren’t running a system where three tight ends were getting consistent burn,” said offensive coordinator Mike Tomlin Jr. “Pat was great when he was on the field, but we can’t justify that kind of cap hit for a role that saw maybe five percent of the total offensive snaps.”
That reality, while harsh, underscores how the league continues to evolve. Offenses are faster, more flexible, and more dependent on versatile athletes who can threaten vertically and horizontally. Freiermuth is a traditional in-line tight end, and in a LaFleur offense that thrives on adaptability, that archetype has become less central to the plan.
Mutual Respect on the Way Out
Despite the decision, the parting between Freiermuth and the organization appears to be amicable. LaFleur and Tomlin both praised him publicly, and teammates took to social media to thank him for his leadership and professionalism.
“Pat’s one of those dudes who makes your locker room better,” said quarterback Desmond Ridder. “He’s consistent, he’s accountable, and you always know what you’re getting from him. That’s a guy you love playing with.”
Freiermuth himself released a brief statement through his agent:
“Pittsburgh will always be special to me. I gave everything I had every time I stepped on that field. I’m grateful to the organization, my teammates, and especially the fans who made me feel at home from day one. Once a Steeler, always a Steeler.”
It’s the kind of classy exit that matches the way he carried himself since day one.
Looking Ahead
The release clears a significant chunk of cap space and sets the stage for Pittsburgh to continue reinforcing key areas of need, likely on the defensive line and secondary. With Cameron Heyward’s retirement and the team’s aging core, flexibility was essential.
From a positional standpoint, Darnell Washington and Jonnu Smith will continue to lead the tight end unit, with potential draft depth to come. Washington, in particular, appears poised to take another leap in his second full year under LaFleur’s system.
While the on-field production gap may be manageable, the emotional void will take time to fill. Freiermuth’s chemistry with teammates, particularly his bond with the fanbase, made him a rare bridge between eras. He was a player beloved for his grit in a city that demands it.
The Cost of Progress
Every rebuild, every retool, comes with sacrifice. The Steelers’ leadership has been clear that their vision is not about one season, but about sustained competitiveness for years to come. To achieve that, hard decisions must be made.
Still, as the team looks ahead with optimism, it’s hard not to feel the weight of what’s being left behind.
“Pat’s the kind of player that embodies everything we stand for,” LaFleur said. “He’s tough, selfless, and about the team first. Those are the hardest guys to let go of.”
The numbers may make sense, the scheme may justify the move, but moments like this remind fans that football isn’t just a game of yards, but it’s a game of people.
For the people of Pittsburgh, losing Pat Freiermuth stings.
– Forged In Steel Times
