The Pittsburgh Steelers sought to upgrade their wide receiver talent this offseason. They traded for Michael Pittman Jr. and then drafted Germie Bernard. But could the tight end group be the more influential offensive weapon group this season?
That’s what beat writer Ray Fittipaldo thinks, based on hearing QB Aaron Rodgers talk.
“I got the sense… he feels a lot more comfortable with his three tight ends than he does with his receivers at this point,” Fittipaldo said Monday on the North Shore Drive podcast. “Listen, that’s probably only natural. Michael Pittman Jr. is new. Roman Wilson and Germie Bernard don’t have a ton of experience. Then you look at the tight end room. You’ve got Pat Freiermuth, you’ve got Robert Tonyan, you’ve got Darnell Washington.
“They could even roll tight ends; they could go 13 personnel. They could mix and match in 12 personnel with Tonyan and Freiermuth or Tonyan and Washington or Freiermuth and Washington. They have all sorts of options. I would not be surprised at all if that was a featured part of their offense this season, just because their receivers beyond Pittman and Metcalf are so inexperienced. I expect Mike McCarthy, and I certainly expect Aaron Rodgers, to lean on those veterans.”
Now, Mike McCarthy’s offense featuring two or more tight ends seeing a significant number of targets in the passing game would be deviating from McCarthy’s history. However, it’s also safe to say that the Steelers’ tight end room is one of the deepest he’s ever had.
Then there is the opportunity this crew has. As Fittipaldo pointed out, it’s not just the tight ends’ talent level. It’s the lack of experience and familiarity with the wide receivers. Rodgers and WR DK Metcalf should be better in Year 2 together. However, Pittman is new to both McCarthy’s offense and playing with Rodgers. Same with the rookie Bernard. Despite Wilson being with the Steelers last year, he and Rodgers have failed to get on the same page.
Rodgers is much more familiar with the tight ends in Pittsburgh. He’s entering Year 2 with both Freiermuth and Washington. Plus, he and Tonyan played together when they were on the Green Bay Packers under McCarthy. Tonyan is even helping Freiermuth develop his rapport with Rodgers even further.
Plus, McCarthy really values how versatile the tight ends are. As Fittipaldo said, the talents and abilities of those players allow a ton of flexibility on offense. You can roll out two or three tight ends while still being able to throw the ball. Freiermuth averages 10.3 yards per catch for his career, while Washington averages 11. Washington especially highlights versatility among the group. You cannot tell whether it’s a run or a pass play if he’s in there.
Will the tight ends steal the show in Pittsburgh this year? Maybe, maybe not. Fittipaldo does expect them to play a major role in the Steelers’ offense, though. At least until Pittman, Wilson, and Bernard are more comfortable in McCarthy’s offense.
