Recently, Pat Freiermuth joined *The Pat McAfee Show*, discussing the resurgence of tight ends (TEs) in the NFL and offering insights into what’s behind the increase in their significance across offenses. Freiermuth, a rising star tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers, touched on why today’s TEs are seeing more responsibilities and excelling in hybrid roles.
### The Evolution of the Tight End Position
Freiermuth explained that tight ends are no longer just blockers or safety nets; they are dynamic playmakers, able to adapt to various situations on the field. With today’s NFL favoring fast-paced offenses and creative play designs, TEs are increasingly becoming pivotal for scoring, gaining yards, and creating mismatches with defenses. As teams evolve, they’re recognizing the need for versatile players who can block, run routes, and make contested catches. This multi-dimensional requirement has made TEs more valuable, and players like Freiermuth have benefitted from the trend.
### Impact of Athletes Like Travis Kelce and George Kittle
Freiermuth highlighted how athletes like Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Darren Waller have set the standard for what it means to be a modern NFL tight end. Players like these have shown the league that TEs can be as versatile and athletic as wide receivers, catching difficult passes while using their size to outmaneuver smaller defenders. Kelce’s skillful routes and Kittle’s blocking prowess have changed perceptions, proving that TEs can be star playmakers. Their success has inspired other TEs, including Freiermuth, to develop a wider skill set, driving the resurgence.
### TE Resurgence Rooted in Mismatches
Freiermuth discussed how the TE resurgence is directly tied to the mismatch potential they bring. When matched against a smaller defensive back, TEs can use their size to win contested catches; against a linebacker, they often exploit superior speed and agility. Freiermuth mentioned that these mismatches force defenses to adjust their schemes, allowing offenses to dictate the game’s tempo. The growth of versatile TEs who excel in both blocking and receiving has put defenses on alert, as they can no longer afford to underestimate this position.
### Quarterback-Tight End Connections
Freiermuth also credited the recent surge in quarterback-TE connections for the TE resurgence. Quarterbacks increasingly look to TEs as reliable options for big plays, often turning to them in crucial third-down or red-zone situations. The connection between Mahomes and Kelce, for example, has demonstrated how an elite TE can be a quarterback’s go-to target. Freiermuth explained that TEs often develop close relationships with their quarterbacks, helping establish trust and timing—essential for challenging plays under pressure.
### Greater Demands and Athleticism
NFL offenses are now relying on TEs to serve in dual roles—essentially becoming the jack-of-all-trades players. Freiermuth pointed out that TEs are now expected to maintain blocking abilities while also keeping up with the speed and agility of wide receivers. This evolution has required TEs to train harder, adapt quicker, and diversify their skill set. As a result, TEs like Freiermuth are expected to perform at a higher level, often facing more physical demands than players limited to single roles.
### Influence of College Systems on the NFL
Freiermuth credited college systems for training TEs to be adaptable before they even reach the NFL. College offenses have increasingly utilized TEs in unique, hybrid roles, and the NFL has taken note. Because many college offenses emphasize spread schemes that maximize speed and mismatches, TEs enter the NFL with the ability to play multiple roles. Freiermuth noted that more college players now come equipped with this versatility, ready to execute the wide range of duties NFL teams expect from the position.
### Future of Tight Ends
Freiermuth believes the TE role will continue to evolve. With players like him joining the NFL each season, the position will likely attract even more athletic and versatile players. As offensive schemes grow more complex, TEs may see even greater responsibilities and a larger share of the spotlight.
