TE Pat Freiermuth likely watching TJ Hockenson's Negotiations

[pczach]

Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth Likely Watching T.J. Hockenson's Negotiations

by Derrick Bell


Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has already established himself as one of the top options in the team's passing attack. While he still has two years left on his rookie deal, he, along with his agent, will definitely be eyeing how another important negotiation plays out in Minnesota.

PFF's contract expert Brad Spielberger wrote an article (https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-most-important-upcoming-contract-negotiation-each-position-2023) detailing which players' contract negotiations are worth monitoring at each position. Spielberger suggests that fellow tight end T.J. Hockenson should aim to surpass George Kittle's $15 million dollar per year contract that he received from the San Francisco 49ers a couple of seasons ago. The question in play is whether or not he'll receive a contract extension from the Minnesota Vikings prior to the start of the regular season or if he'll play out his fifth-year option in 2023.


Why is this important for Pat Freiermuth? If he remains healthy and produces in 2023 as he has in his first two professional seasons, there's a good chance that he's Pittsburgh's top priority for an extension next offseason.

Hockenson was a top-ten overall pick coming out of Iowa back in 2019, but it took him a little bit to find his footing in the league. Despite being drafted a full round ahead of Freiermuth in his respective draft, if you compare their first two professional campaigns, the numbers might surprise you.

First two seasons in the NFL:

Hockenson- 99 catches, 1,090 receiving yards and eight touchdowns
Freiermuth- 127 catches, 1,254 receiving yards and nine touchdowns

Freiermuth isn't just keeping pace; he's exceeding it. The good news for Hockenson is that once the Detroit Lions decided to trade him last season, he was rewarded with a bigger role in a more vast passing offense. After the trade in Week 9, he reeled in 70 catches for 648 yards and three touchdowns.

Read the rest here: https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/steelers_te_pat_freiermuth_likely_watching_tj_hock enson_negotiations/s1_16724_39008113

[Born2Steel]

I wonder if we see more 2TE formations now. PF’s overall role could change a bit if that’s the case.

[pczach]

I wonder if we see more 2TE formations now. PF’s overall role could change a bit if that’s the case.


We really don't have any idea yet as to how they are going to use the TEs. Drafting Washington sure seems to suggest that there will be two TE's on the field a lot this year.

It's going to be interesting, that's for sure.

[HollywoodSteel]

I wonder if we see more 2TE formations now. PF’s overall role could change a bit if that’s the case.

I would imagine that Washington will be used more as a blocker in his rookie season, with perhaps some key red zone targets. I don’t expect his pass catching numbers to approach Muth’s, at least not in 2023.

But if Washington does emerge as a reliable pass catcher they could easily become the best TE combo since the Patriots had Gronk and the killer.

[Steel Maniac]

I would imagine that Washington will be used more as a blocker in his rookie season, with perhaps some key red zone targets. I don’t expect his pass catching numbers to approach Muth’s, at least not in 2023.

But if Washington does emerge as a reliable pass catcher they could easily become the best TE combo since the Patriots had Gronk and the killer.

I like the way you think. I too see that being the vision of use down the line. Muth will still be the guy this year. But KP has a ton of red zone targets now. No reason he shouldn't have atleast 25 TD passes this season. Minimum.

[Mojouw]

By Week 4, Washington will either be the most hated Steeler on the internet or another reason for Steelers fans to demand Canada’s head on a stake.

I think the hype and expectations for Washington are going to be way out of wack with the on field production.

QB, LT, and TE are the hardest positions to transition to in the NFL.

BUT…you said the same thing about PF and he caught all the passes and TDs - so fie on you MojoUW! And I get that. But we are still waiting for PF to “transform the run game” and all his blocking was going to help with. In fact, you could argue that drafting Washington indicates that the Steelers themselves are still waiting for PF’s blocking.

I’m a total PF plans I’m extremely high on Washington’s long term potential. I just think it’s possible Gentry and Heyward are more impactful in 2023.

[polamalubeast]

I agree that right now the hype of Washington is way too high...For Freiermuth,a 15 millions contract or more is likely at this point with a another very good season in 2023

[86WARD]

By Week 4, Washington will either be the most hated Steeler on the internet or another reason for Steelers fans to demand Canada’s head on a stake.

I think the hype and expectations for Washington are going to be way out of wack with the on field production.

QB, LT, and TE are the hardest positions to transition to in the NFL.

BUT…you said the same thing about PF and he caught all the passes and TDs - so fie on you MojoUW! And I get that. But we are still waiting for PF to “transform the run game” and all his blocking was going to help with. In fact, you could argue that drafting Washington indicates that the Steelers themselves are still waiting for PF’s blocking.

I’m a total PF plans I’m extremely high on Washington’s long term potential. I just think it’s possible Gentry and Heyward are more impactful in 2023.

Again…really only a handful of TEs in the history of the NFL have been good at both and is really unrealistic to expect that you’d find a TE that is…

[pczach]

By Week 4, Washington will either be the most hated Steeler on the internet or another reason for Steelers fans to demand Canada’s head on a stake.

I think the hype and expectations for Washington are going to be way out of wack with the on field production.

QB, LT, and TE are the hardest positions to transition to in the NFL.

BUT…you said the same thing about PF and he caught all the passes and TDs - so fie on you MojoUW! And I get that. But we are still waiting for PF to “transform the run game” and all his blocking was going to help with. In fact, you could argue that drafting Washington indicates that the Steelers themselves are still waiting for PF’s blocking.

I’m a total PF plans I’m extremely high on Washington’s long term potential. I just think it’s possible Gentry and Heyward are more impactful in 2023.


I think fans need to calm down with the Washington hype. He didn't run a lot of well-developed route trees. He has a lot to learn about getting open and route running in the NFL. He can certainly block, and can be used in that capacity and slip out in play action. I don't expect him to have the huge impact quickly that others do, but I think he could eventually be a very good player if he develops.

I don't want to see this kid getting destroyed by fans because they don't understand where he is in his development. Just give him time.....but we know that many probably won't. I think they will embrace him if he's knocking guys on their asses blocking though!


Freiermuth was drafted to be a complete tight end, but he was never listed as a dominant blocker by anybody. Again, almost all lists I see have him at least in the top 12 in the NFL. Most have him in the Top 10. Some even think he could be Top 5 already as an all-around TE. In any case, his blocking has gotten better, but he is never going to be an in-line dominant force. He gets position and can block in space, but isn't the guy you want regularly taking on DE's in pass protection. Yet this little nugget from Chis Adamski is why I don't trust PFF:

https://twitter.com/C_AdamskiTrib/status/1494353718988492814?lang=en

It says PF was the best pass blocking TE in the NFL this season. I don't buy it. He's gotten better, but come on.

I don't think the Steelers drafted Washington because they are displeased with PF's blocking. I think they see him fitting into the system they want to run, and it will allow Freiermuth to hurt defenses even more in the passing game and attack the seams more this season in 2-TE sets.

Muth could have a huge year because he knows how to get open, he has great hands, and the scheme of running and play action may get him even more looks. But he is still going to be blocking on running plays.

Could be fun to watch if Canada can formulate a plan that works.
https://twitter.com/C_AdamskiTrib/status/1494353718988492814?lang=en

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I'm curious to know what fans think of Friermuth's blocking ability at this point in the NFL? I recall there was a lot of pre draft angst about him just being a guy that is a receiving TE and that his blocking ability was questionable.

His route running and hands are great and that will get him paid, but just curious if fans feel his blocking now is adequate, above or below average?

[Mojouw]

Here is my take:

PF is everything that most publicly available scouting reports said he was going to be: a big red zone and third down force, possesses incredible hands, and is a willing but below average blocker. I think that, overall that is a highly capable #1 TE. Further, I will concede that my bar for "average TE blocking" is likely set far too high overall and much too high for someone with the pass catching chops of PF. I don't think Kelce is out there blocking many folks.

But, he is NOT everything that Steelers fans had projected him to be. I do not believe he helps the run game in a noticeable manner. Maybe with forcing defenses to alter their approach due to his potential as a pass catcher...but he misses too many blocks for him to actually have the dominant impact that a ton of Steelers fans around the internet were claiming he would instantly have. I remember many places immediately after PF was drafted claiming that the Steelers had "fixed" their run game. They haven't. It is still frequently bottom portion of the league.

I think that Washington can and likely will grow and develop into an impactful player. I just think that he will not have a significant impact in 2023. Unless the Steelers shock me and cut Gentry prior to the end of the preseason...I am not certain that Washington gets a helmet every week. I do not believe he plays special teams....but I may be wrong on that one.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Here is my take:

PF is everything that most publicly available scouting reports said he was going to be: a big red zone and third down force, possesses incredible hands, and is a willing but below average blocker. I think that, overall that is a highly capable #1 TE. Further, I will concede that my bar for "average TE blocking" is likely set far too high overall and much too high for someone with the pass catching chops of PF. I don't think Kelce is out there blocking many folks.

But, he is NOT everything that Steelers fans had projected him to be. I do not believe he helps the run game in a noticeable manner. Maybe with forcing defenses to alter their approach due to his potential as a pass catcher...but he misses too many blocks for him to actually have the dominant impact that a ton of Steelers fans around the internet were claiming he would instantly have. I remember many places immediately after PF was drafted claiming that the Steelers had "fixed" their run game. They haven't. It is still frequently bottom portion of the league.

I think that Washington can and likely will grow and develop into an impactful player. I just think that he will not have a significant impact in 2023. Unless the Steelers shock me and cut Gentry prior to the end of the preseason...I am not certain that Washington gets a helmet every week. I do not believe he plays special teams....but I may be wrong on that one.

I think that on a scale of 1-10, Fry is about a 6 as a blocker.

Washington definitely upgrades that ability, but I think some will be pleasantly surprised of what an athlete and receiving target he is. I would not be shocked at all to see Gentry not make the 53.

[Dwinsgames]

I think that on a scale of 1-10, Fry is about a 6 as a blocker.

Washington definitely upgrades that ability, but I think some will be pleasantly surprised of what an athlete and receiving target he is. I would not be shocked at all to see Gentry not make the 53.


I said this about 10 mins after we drafted Washington ( well it may have been the next day ) it wasnt a popular take with some who claimed Gentry was a lock to make the 53 (I think that is a laughable take personally) Washington is superior to gentry every way you dice it ..I am still in disbelief he was available at our pick point , shocked he didnt go a round or TWO sooner

[86WARD]

They won’t cut Gentry…that’s not a Tomlin move. They’ll keep Gentry as the primary blocker and work the rookie in. Heyward is taking Watts roster spot. So they have the ability to carry 4 TE/FB in their roster construction.

Freiermuth was also only used is a blocking situation 6% of the time…

[tube517]

They won’t cut Gentry…that’s not a Tomlin move. They’ll keep Gentry as the primary blocker and work the rookie in. Heyward is taking Watts roster spot. So they have the ability to carry 4 TE/FB in their roster construction.

Freiermuth was also only used is a blocking situation 6% of the time…Gentry was informed he got cut.

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[vasteeler]

They won’t cut Gentry…that’s not a Tomlin move. They’ll keep Gentry as the primary blocker and work the rookie in. Heyward is taking Watts roster spot. So they have the ability to carry 4 TE/FB in their roster construction.

Freiermuth was also only used is a blocking situation 6% of the time…

So, it's your fault Gentry got released... Lol

[Mojouw]

Weird times that Kendrick Green is worth a future draft pick but Gentry can't net you something in a trade. I think that, perhaps, Steelers fans have been so TE starved that we wildly over-rated Gentry's NFL impact.

[86WARD]

Gentry was informed he got cut.

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I’m surprised they actually did it. Lol. Maybe he’s a candidate to be released and then re-signed at a later date?

[tube517]

I’m surprised they actually did it. Lol. Maybe he’s a candidate to be released and then re-signed at a later date?Is he eligible for the practice squad (unless he is signed elsewhere)? I am too lazy to keep up with the new rules

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[Dwinsgames]

I’m surprised they actually did it. Lol. Maybe he’s a candidate to be released and then re-signed at a later date?

he is done here I think .....

Jesse James would be a better pickup he is at least semi serviceable as a receiver

[HollywoodSteel]

he is done here I think .....

Jesse James would be a better pickup he is at least semi serviceable as a receiver

I don’t think we’re looking to carry another TE on the active roster. My guess is they didn’t even try to trade Gentry. I’m thinking they would rather have him on the PS than coerce a sixth round pick in 2030 from someone.

I think the risk of someone snatching him up to their active 53 now is pretty minimal given that he isn’t considered a great pass catching TE. But I could be wrong.

[86WARD]

he is done here I think .....

Jesse James would be a better pickup he is at least semi serviceable as a receiver

They don’t need a TE to catch. They need a TE that can block a little bit. Gentry can somewhat block, James can not. I say they trade/cut a punter and re-sign Gentry…I kinda hope not though because then there’s most likely a young prospect with upside being kept on the roster somewhere…

[HollywoodSteel]

They don’t need a TE to catch. They need a TE that can block a little bit. Gentry can somewhat block, James can not. I say they trade/cut a punter and re-sign Gentry…I kinda hope not though because then there’s most likely a young prospect with upside being kept on the roster somewhere…

I don’t think the plan is to resign Gentry. If he hasn’t been claimed by another team that means he’s probably safe on the PS. We already have a great blocking TE that will get a hat on game day. I think they have their eye on another position group out of potential cuts from another team. I just don’t know what position that might be.

Hell Edmunds got cut. He knows the defense and would be good safety depth.

[BlackAndGold]

Gentry may be brought back but Rodney Williams has been the better player during the preseason. Showed some blocking ability, and was impressive on special teams, something Gentry does not do well at.

[Born2Steel]

I don’t think the plan is to resign Gentry. If he hasn’t been claimed by another team that means he’s probably safe on the PS. We already have a great blocking TE that will get a hat on game day. I think they have their eye on another position group out of potential cuts from another team. I just don’t know what position that might be.

Hell Edmunds got cut. He knows the defense and would be good safety depth.

I would much rather sign Edmunds than keep a 3rd TE. I don’t dislike Gentry but Edmunds is starter level here.

[86WARD]

Gentry may be brought back but Rodney Williams has been the better player during the preseason. Showed some blocking ability, and was impressive on special teams, something Gentry does not do well at.

I thought of this as well. Williams was also a last minute cut from what I read.

Based on roster construction in recent past years, the Steelers have had 3TEs and a FB for a total of 4 spots. Maybe Heywards ability to do both opens up a different roster spot but I felt they’d keep 3/Heyward.

[86WARD]

I don’t think the plan is to resign Gentry. If he hasn’t been claimed by another team that means he’s probably safe on the PS. We already have a great blocking TE that will get a hat on game day. I think they have their eye on another position group out of potential cuts from another team. I just don’t know what position that might be.

Hell Edmunds got cut. He knows the defense and would be good safety depth.

Where do you see that Edmunds was cut? He’s currently on the Eagles Roster.

[Mojouw]

A lot of talk about Gentry and his fit with the Steelers, but let's try another way.

During the Ben era, Gentry likely is on the roster because he fills a "right now better than the alternative" need for another blocking TE.

Is Khan taking the same tack? In other words....just how good is Gentry on scale of Below the Line-Average Random Depth TE Free Agent-Travis Kelce Star TE? Honestly, is Gentry really that good of a player? He blocks "better" than other Steelers TEs of recent vintage...but is that saying much? He's tall. I have run out of attributes.

I really thought he would make the 53 and I guess he still might...but I suspect he isn't exactly in demand across the league....but this could be another time I wrong....happened a bunch already today!

[pczach]

Where do you see that Edmunds was cut? He’s currently on the Eagles Roster.


I think they are confusing him with Terrell's brother, who was cut by the Lions.

- - - Updated - - -

There is a report that the Steelers are going to sign Desmond King CB that was cut by the Texans. That would be a solid signing and they would have to take someone off the roster.

[HollywoodSteel]

Where do you see that Edmunds was cut? He’s currently on the Eagles Roster.

You’re right. I think I read “Edmunds could get cut” in an article and for some reason remembered it as “got cut.” Apparently he was on the bubble.

[86WARD]

A lot of talk about Gentry and his fit with the Steelers, but let's try another way.

During the Ben era, Gentry likely is on the roster because he fills a "right now better than the alternative" need for another blocking TE.

Is Khan taking the same tack? In other words....just how good is Gentry on scale of Below the Line-Average Random Depth TE Free Agent-Travis Kelce Star TE? Honestly, is Gentry really that good of a player? He blocks "better" than other Steelers TEs of recent vintage...but is that saying much? He's tall. I have run out of attributes.

I really thought he would make the 53 and I guess he still might...but I suspect he isn't exactly in demand across the league....but this could be another time I wrong....happened a bunch already today!

Gentry type players are probably all over the NFL but the NFL is a league of “comfortability” and that is why they would re-sign him opposed to any other TE that would be a dime a dozen and there’s no learning curve. In all fairness a Travis Kelce type TE doesn’t fit the role that Gentry is filling on a roster. If you are signing a Kelce type, you most likely aren’t re-signing a Freiermuth. Point is Gentry fills that role that all teams have…teams will stick with what they know before signing another player…the Steelers are I top-tiered example of that.

[steelreserve]

So it looks like Hockenson got his blockbuster contract, a "reset the market for tight end" deal at $17M a year. I guess I'm still sort of puzzled about the reason for that.

Like, yeah, he's good, but he never particularly stuck me as the kind of game-changing player that redefines the whole position, which is why you usually see those kinds of deals. Why all the fuss? Anyway, I hope that just because one team did it does not make it the "new normal" when our turn to re-sign our own guy comes around.

[Hawkman]

So it looks like Hockenson got his blockbuster contract, a "reset the market for tight end" deal at $17M a year. I guess I'm still sort of puzzled about the reason for that.

Like, yeah, he's good, but he never particularly stuck me as the kind of game-changing player that redefines the whole position, which is why you usually see those kinds of deals. Why all the fuss? Anyway, I hope that just because one team did it does not make it the "new normal" when our turn to re-sign our own guy comes around.

A head scratcher for me too….as you said he’s good, but not Gronk, or Kelce good. Maybe not even Kittle good.

[Dwinsgames]

A head scratcher for me too….as you said he’s good, but not Gronk, or Kelce good. Maybe not even Kittle good.

I don't think he Kittle good , but he is more than Kittle available

[86WARD]

Best ability is availability which Kittle does not have so much…

[Dwinsgames]

Best ability is availability which Kittle does not have so much…

thats what I am saying ( or trying to at least )