Steelers sign Freiermuth to 4-year, $48.4M extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers inked tight end Pat Freiermuth to a four-year extension worth $48.4 million, his agency told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

The Steelers pushed to get Freiermuth signed to a new deal before Sunday's Week 1 game, sources told Jeremy Fowler and Brooke Pryor of ESPN.

Freiermuth is expected to be a key piece in new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's offense this season. He could be the team's No. 2 pass-catcher behind George Pickens after the front office was unable to swing a trade with the San Francisco 49ers for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

Freiermuth is coming off his worst year as a pro, recording 32 receptions for 308 yards and two touchdowns over 12 games. His best performance came in 2022 when he grabbed 63 passes for 732 yards, both career highs.

The Steelers drafted the Penn State product in the second round in 2021.