The Steelers continue to tie up loose ends ahead of their season opener.
Pittsburgh has agreed to terms with tight end Pat Freiermuth on a four-year, $48.4 million contract extension, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Friday.
The pact ties Freiermuth, who will turn 26 in October during his fourth NFL season, to the franchise for the foreseeable future.
The timing of the deal perhaps foreshadows Pittsburgh's expectations for Freiermuth, now and in the future, as he heads into this season likely the offense's second pass-catching option behind wide receiver George Pickens.
Selected No. 55 overall in 2021, Freiermuth has been a sturdy if unspectacular pro thus far, racking up 155 receptions for 1,537 yards and 11 touchdowns -- although he has found the end zone difficult to reach recently with just two scores each in the the past two seasons.
Nonetheless, Freiermuth figures to represent a safety valve for new quarterback Russell Wilson and is clearly a valued piece for the Steelers.
He joins defensive lineman Cameron Heyward as Steelers to ink an extension this week.
Heyward, Freiermuth and the rest of the Black and Gold kick off their season Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.