Pat Freiermuth gets candid on Steelers' QB situation between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields
Tight end Pat Freiermuth doesn't have a preference as to which quarterback leads the Pittsburgh Steelers offense. Russell Wilson was initially named the Week 1 starter, but a lingering calf injury prevented him from starting against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday afternoon. Justin Fields got the start, and although the Steelers won, they did so without scoring a touchdown.
On 102.5 WDVE, radio host Gerry Dulac asked Freiermuth which QB he prefers.
“Whoever can get a W, I’m cool with," Freiermuth said on Tuesday.
The Steelers TE continued by comparing how Wilson and Fields play the game.
“I think they’re similar. They kind of play the game the same way. Obviously, Russ is a little older, but he still has some wheels on him. No one’s gonna beat Justin in a race. He’s a hell of an athlete. But I think they’re very similar with the way they think about the game, play the game, what they see,” Freiermuth said.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to build upon the Week 1 win against Atlanta as they head toward their next opponent, the Denver Broncos.
Pat Freiermuth signed a contract extension last week
The Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to a contract extension with tight end Pat Freiermuth on Friday. The Steelers announced a four-year deal worth $49.9 million, and on Wednesday, new details emerged.
The contract is now a five-year deal, including the 2024 NFL season. This season, he will have a $1 million base salary and a $10.5 million signing bonus. In 2025, he will have a guaranteed salary of $10.785 million. In 2026, it will be $12.885 million.
The following three seasons then include a roster bonus of $1.5 million each year. He is set to make $7.6 million in 2026, $8.5 million in 2027 and $6.9 in 2028. The front-loaded contract is salary cap friendly for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have an option after the 2025 NFL season to trade or release Freiermuth.
Pat Freiermuth was the second member of the Pittsburgh Steelers to sign a contract extension last week. Veteran defensive end Cameron Heyward also signed an extension earlier in the week.