Pat Freiermuth opens up about gaining Aaron Rodgers' trust after George Pickens' departure

Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has emerged as one of Aaron Rodgers' most trusted targets after George Pickens was traded to the Cowboys in May. Pittsburgh flipped Pickens, along with a 2027 sixth-round pick, in exchange for a 2026 third-round selection and a 2027 fifth-round pick.

Freiermuth opened up on Wednesday about suiting up alongside the four-time NFL MVP.

"I mean, it's awesome," Freiermuth said, via the "Up and Adams" show.

"He's a future Hall of Famer, first ballot. Probably, arguably one of the, probably the best quarterback to ever play the game. And just being able to go to work with him every single day and talk football, understand where his mind is. um game planning wise and stuff like that. It's just it's just it's awesome. It's an awesome experience."

Freiermuth recorded just eight receptions for 76 yards through the first five games of the season. However, he exploded against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7 with five catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns. It was the first time since 1953 that a Steelers tight end recorded over 100 receiving yards and two touchdowns in a game.

Aaron Rodgers on Pat Freiermuth's performance

Cincinnati snapped the Steelers' three-game winning streak despite Pat Freiermuth's historic outing. Aaron Rodgers was full of praise for the tight end after the game.

"If you're not receiving targets and you're a high-paid player, it must weigh heavily on your mind and confidence," Rodgers told reporters on Oct. 16. "But Pat never complained about anything. He never made it about himself."

Freiermuth slid into Rodgers' Instagram DMs during the offseason, playing a key role in the veteran quarterback's arrival in Pittsburgh. He has impressed the quarterback with his versatility. Rodgers discussed Freiermuth's skill set in June.

"He can block at the point of attack, he can split out and run routes, he can run choice routes, he can run seam routes," Rodgers said, via "The Pat McAfee Show."

The Steelers have found their offensive identity over the past few weeks. They are averaging over 200 passing yards and 100 rushing yards while surpassing 300 total yards and 23 points in three consecutive games.

Pittsburgh will host Indianapolis at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday. The Colts are the only team in the league with seven wins this season, and Rodgers and Co. have a tough task in front of them.