CBS Sport: Steelers mega star agree to four-year, $48.4 million contract extension.

Pat Freiermuth, a tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has agreed to a four-year, $48.4 million contract deal. Athletes First, Freiermuth’s agency, shared the news of the deal on Instagram on Friday. Two days before the Steelers take on the Atlanta Falcons in their season opener, the new agreement was reached.

Freiermuth, 25, had a season-long total of 32 catches for 308 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games (seven starts). In 44 games (26 starts), he has totaled 155 receptions for 1,537 yards and 11 touchdowns since Pittsburgh selected him out of Penn State in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

In preparation for their season debut, the Steelers are still finishing off loose ends.

Given that he is expected to be the offense’s second pass-catching option behind wide receiver George Pickens heading into this season, the timing of the deal may hint to Pittsburgh’s expectations for Freiermuth both now and in the future.

Freiermuth, who was chosen No. 55 overall in 2021, has been a reliable but unspectacular player thus far, with 155 receptions for 1,537 yards and 11 touchdowns. However, he has recently struggled to find the end zone, managing only two scores in each of the previous two seasons.

However, Freiermuth is obviously a valuable asset for the Steelers and appears to be a safety valve for rookie quarterback Russell Wilson.

He inks an extension this week with the Steelers, joining defensive lineman Cameron Heyward.

The Black and Gold team, led by Heyward and Freiermuth, will take on the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday to begin the season.