Mike Tomlin Addresses Pat Freiermuth’s Reduced Role, Hints Steelers Could Explore Trade Options

Oct 9, 202544 views

Veteran tight end Pat Freiermuth played a career-low 15 offensive snaps in the Steelers’ Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings — a move that immediately drew attention from both fans and analysts. The drop-off in playing time raised eyebrows across Pittsburgh, especially given Freiermuth’s $12 million annual salary and his established role as a key part of the offense.

Head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t shy away from the topic when speaking to reporters, explaining that the shift was a deliberate tactical decision. “We have a certain personality, especially when we play 4-3 teams. I haven’t been bashful about that,” Tomlin said. “That’s why we drafted Darnell Washington. You can’t play 4-3 teams with 250-pound tight ends. You can’t. The weight class is in combat sports for a reason. So, when the edge people are 300 pounds, you better have somebody out there that looks like that animal.”

That philosophy led to Washington logging a season-high 48 snaps, alongside offensive lineman Spencer Anderson, while Freiermuth was limited to just 15. The result? Pittsburgh recorded a season-best 131 rushing yards — doubling their previous high.

Tomlin acknowledged that some might question the decision, but remained firm about the direction moving forward. “Certainly, as we move into divisional play in the next couple weeks, and we’re playing two 4-3 teams, certainly you’re going to see more of that,” Tomlin stated. “It’s unfair at times to ask guys like Pat Freiermuth and Connor [Heyward] to block 4-3 ends. That’s not realistic if you want to have a real good run game day.”

Still, whispers around the organization suggest this may not just be about matchups. According to team insiders, Tomlin and GM Omar Khan could be exploring potential trade options for Freiermuth if his snap count continues to decline — a move that would free cap space and allow Washington to take on a larger role.

While Tomlin hasn’t confirmed trade talks, his candid tone hinted that business decisions might soon follow football logic. “You always evaluate what gives your team the best chance to win,” he said when pressed on Freiermuth’s future. “Right now, our focus is on fielding the most physical group possible. Everything else, we’ll handle when the time’s right.”

For now, the Steelers’ tight end room remains in flux — with Washington emerging as a clear favorite for heavy offensive sets, and Freiermuth’s future in black and gold suddenly uncertain.

As the San Francisco 49ers prepare to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday, all eyes are now turning from the gridiron to the skies. A developing Nor’easter storm system threatens to disrupt one of Week 6’s most anticipated NFC matchups. According to the FOX Forecast Center, a powerful low-pressure area is expected to form off the southeastern U.S. coast and move north along the Atlantic. This Nor’easter is projected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous coastal conditions through the weekend, with potential impacts stretching from the Carolinas to Florida’s Gulf Coast. Meteorologists warn that flooding and gusts over 50 mph could reach inland areas — including parts of Florida and the Southeast U.S. — potentially affecting stadium operations, team travel, and fan attendance for the 49ers–Buccaneers clash. FOX 5 NY’s Mike Woods commented, “It looks like Sunday into Monday right now, but one of the models brings it quite close to us, which is the American model. The other one wants to push it back into the Carolinas.” The game is expected to be postponed either to later that evening or the following day. The storm’s path remains uncertain, and league officials are monitoring the situation closely to make adjustments depending on weather developments. For now, coverage remains scheduled as normal — 49ers vs. Buccaneers kicks off at 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX, with pregame programming beginning at 11:30 a.m. on WTVT FOX 13. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to official 49ers channels for any schedule changes related to the incoming Nor’easter.