Eric Ebron criticizes Steelers' 2021 draft choice of Pat Freiermuth
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 25, 2026, 8:30 PM
Last updated Jun 25, 2026
Former Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron expressed his disapproval of the team's 2021 decision to draft Pat Freiermuth over Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey. During an episode of Cam Heyward’s podcast, Ebron argued that prioritizing a tight end was misguided, citing the need for better protection for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger at the time. Freiermuth has since become a key player for the Steelers, signing a four-year extension in 2024 after a successful 2024 season, although he faced challenges in 2025. Ebron, who lost his starting position to Freiermuth and later announced his retirement in 2024, reflected on the drafting choice and its implications for the team's strategy.
- •Ebron criticizes the Steelers for drafting Freiermuth over Humphrey.
- •Freiermuth signed a four-year extension worth $48.4 million in 2024.
- •He had 653 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 2024.
- •Ebron lost his starting spot due to Freiermuth's emergence.
- •Ebron retired in December 2024 after failing to join another team.
- 8:30 PMYahoo Sports — Former Steeler says drafting Pat Freiermuth was a mistake
"The criticism was voiced on an episode of Cam Heyward’s
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