Steelers’ Tight End Rotation: PFF Grades

The Pittsburgh Steelers are undergoing a notable shift in their offensive approach under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith , particularly in the tight end position.

Recent Pro Football Focus ( PFF ) grades have shed light on the performance of the Steelers’ top three tight ends—Darnell Washington, MyCole Pruitt, and Pat Freiermuth—highlighting the impact of Smith's rotational strategy and what it could mean for the team's offensive game plan moving forward.

Darnell Washington emerged as the standout performer among the tight ends, earning a PFF grade of 91.7, the highest on the Steelers' offense. Washington's strong showing in both receiving and blocking sets him apart as a key figure in Smith's rotation.

MyCole Pruitt , familiar with Smith’s system from their time together with the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons, also posted a solid PFF grade of 78.5, underscoring his reliability in this evolving offense.

Pat Freiermuth , despite being the most active in terms of snaps and routes with the starters, received a PFF grade of 56.9. Notably, Freiermuth saw limited action in 12 personnel formations, which were a staple of Smith’s offenses in Tennessee and Atlanta. During his tenure with the Falcons, Smith utilized 12 personnel more than any other team in the NFL, with 41.5% of their snaps featuring this formation in 2023. However, the Steelers only deployed 12 personnel on 18% of their snaps in this game, indicating a potential shift in offensive philosophy or a more fluid approach to personnel usage.

The limited use of 12 personnel and the rotation of Washington and Pruitt in these formations raise questions about Freiermuth’s role in the new system. While he remains a central figure in 11 and 21 personnel groupings, his absence in two tight-end sets could impact his consistency and effectiveness within the offense. For fantasy football enthusiasts, this rotation could also affect Freiermuth’s value, as being a primary tight end in 12 personnel is often crucial for reliable production.

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As the Steelers continue their preseason, the evolving roles of Washington, Pruitt, and Freiermuth will be critical to watch. Arthur Smith’s rotational strategy reflects his preference for versatile tight ends who can adapt to different formations and responsibilities. How this strategy plays out during the regular season will be key to the Steelers' offensive success and could redefine the roles of these tight ends within the team.