CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala Believes Pat Freiermuth Could Have A Monster Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2024 NFL season in need of a reliable number two receiving option behind WR George Pickens.

All offseason, there has been a buzz the Steelers are trying to acquire WR Brandon Aiyuk from the 49ers.

This looks more and more unlikely.

If the Steelers do not sign a free agent WR, they will look within the organization for a player to become the number two target.

ESPN’s Brooke Pryor has raved about Tight End Pat Freiermuth and listed him as the player most surprised during Steelers minicamps.

Add another NFL reporter to the list that is high on the Steelers’ tight end this season.

CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala thinks Freiermuth could be poised for a monster season.

Below, we will take a look at what Aditi Kinkhabwala said about Freiermuth and whether he can become a reliable number-two target for the Steelers.

Kinkhabwala Believes Pat Freiermuth Could Have A Monster Season

When making her weekly appearance on 93.7 The Fan radio in Pittsburgh, Aditi Kinkhabwala stated she believes Freiermuth could have a “monster” 2024 season.

She stated “This is something I said to Pat Freiermuth and I’ll say it again and I think we’ve talked about it a lot. I think he’s really set to have a monster year.”

Another player Kinkhabwala is high on is Connor Heyward.

Regarding Heyward, she said “I think Connor Heyward could have a big year. I think this is a play caller who is going to get the ball in the hands of guys who can make plays and is not a slave to any one idea.”

Arthur Smith does enjoy utilizing his tight ends.

Both Brooke Pryor and Aditi Kinkhabwala have stated they are high on Freiermuth entering the 2024 season.

Will Pat Freiermuth Be A Reliable Number Two Target?

Based on the reports and beliefs of NFL reporters, Pat Freiermuth has been highly touted to succeed in 2024.

Freiermuth recorded 60 or more receptions in each of his first two seasons but saw his numbers dip big time last year.

Between having Matt Canada as the OC and being hampered by a nagging hamstring injury, Freiermuth did not stand a chance to have a successful season last year.

This season, Arthur Smith will be calling the plays and he is a clear significant upgrade over Canada.

One knock on Freiermuth is he does not have the speed or athleticism that some of the top tight ends in the league do.

He cannot create separation as well as some of the top TEs in the league can.

However, Smith’s scheme will help Freiermuth get open more easily.

Kinkhabwala’s belief in Pat and Pryor’s reports from minicamps are encouraging that Freiermuth can have a big 2024 season for the Steelers.

Between a significant upgrade in offensive coordinator and with Russell Wilson under center instead of Kenny Pickett, this season is set up nicely for Freiermuth to become a reliable number-two target for the Steelers.