Steelers' Pat Freiermuth Won't Sit Quietly In 2026: "I'm Definitely Down To Do Some Lobbying For Myself"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a new coaching regime for the first time in almost two decades. After Mike McCarthy was hired, he delivered an emotional introductory press conference to the Pittsburgh faithful. While the hiring was met with a lot of pessimism at first, the press conference swayed that vibe in the opposite direction. Now it appears that some players are excited to get a fresh change under McCarthy. Tight end Pat Freiermuth was on 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh on Tuesday and was asked about the change. 

While the team did sign Freiermuth to a four-year, $48.4 million contract extension in September of 2024, he had a dip in production in the 2025 season. In 2024, Freiermuth had 65 receptions for 653 yards and seven touchdowns. However, in an offense that struggled in 2025 where Freiermuth was utilized much less, he had 41 receptions for 486 yards and four touchdowns -- two scores coming in one game. However, Freiermuth appears ready to be involved in the offense more under McCarthy and influence the say in his role if possible.

"I haven't really experienced it yet," Freiermuth said. "I'll find out probably more hopefully in OTAs about how [Mike McCarthy] rolls, but I'm definitely down to do some lobbying for myself."

These comments came after Freiermuth was questioned on the difference of having a more offensive-minded head coach now in McCarthy. Given the organization did have enough faith in Freiermuth to extend him, his production in past seasons should not be overlooked. Freiermuth is a big, physical target on offense and one that can help to improve the team's offensive output in 2026 and beyond.

Pittsburgh's offense ranked 25th in the entire league in 2025 and no one could seem to wrap their mind around why Freiermuth was not targeted more frequently. The offense desperately lacked a reliable number two wide receiver to help out star wide receiver DK Metcalf, who also had a down year by his standards. Getting the ball to Freiermuth more frequently would have likely helped Metcalf get open more often, as well as opening the offense up as a whole. However, those moments were few and far between last season.

Steelers Must Change Ways To Succeed In 2026

While there are sweeping changes to the Black and Gold for 2026, the team must alter their ways this season if they want to rediscover the success they once had. One of those changes would be to utilize Freiermuth more, the guy that Pittsburgh financially invested in with his 2024 extension. This will inevitably lead to a more potent offensive output. Based on Freiermuth's comments on McCarthy being the new leader on the sidelines, it appears he will try to influence the gameplan if possible and lobby for himself to be more involved in the offense in 2026.

Freiermuth was once nicknamed "Baby Gronk" in college during his time with the Penn State Nittany Lions. This nickname, given to Freiermuth because of his Massachusetts roots and wearing the number 87, was given to Freiermuth due to the look he had similar to another version of legendary NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski. While Freiermuth will most likely not live up to the Gronkowski hype given to him in college, he does have a similar build to the former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers security blanket. 

While Freiermuth's comments are true and no one has seen how McCarthy rolls just yet, he does have a rich offensive background in the NFL. Should McCarthy see the value in Freiermuth that the previous regime seemed to get away from, it could mean big things for his offensive production in 2026. By the sounds of it with Freiermuth's message, he seems eager to work under a new coaching staff and quickly rebound after a down 2025 season.

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