When Arthur Smith signed up with the Pittsburgh Steelers back in February 2024 as the new offensive coordinator, veteran tight end Pat Freiermuth felt it was going to be a great addition. “My agent is really close with [Arthur Smith], and he said, ‘Dude, you’re going to love him,’” Freiermuth had said. “‘The offense is sick towards tight ends.’” But fast-forward to December 2025, and that old promise feels like a cruel joke.

Freiermuth has played just 48% of offensive snaps this season, down from a career-high 69% last season. He’s been relegated to third on the depth chart behind Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington , logging only 17 snaps in the Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills. And Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo sees that something is off between the tight

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