Who Should I Start? Pat Freiermuth or Isaiah Likely

Thursday, April 4, 2:16 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth said on the Around the 412 podcast on Wednesday that he wants "to be in Pittsburgh for the rest of my career" as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract in 2024. He missed five games in 2023 due to a hamstring injury, but overall his numbers declined from the previous two seasons. Subpar quarterback play didn't help, and the 25-year-old former second-round pick in 2021 out of Penn State caught a career-low 32 passes for 308 yards and only two touchdowns in 12 regular season games (nine starts). In new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's offense, Freiermuth could have a bounce-back campaign in 2024 and will be a nice sleeper target in fantasy drafts this fall.

Saturday, January 20, 9:13 PM

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely secured his first-ever postseason touchdown in the Divisional Round, finishing with two catches for 34 yards and a touchdown in the team's 34-10 victory over the Texans. With Mark Andrews (ankle) still sidelined, Likely took on the role of the team's primary tight end and continued to make significant plays in his absence. Andrews returned to practice this week, increasing the likelihood of his return for the AFC Championship game next week. The Ravens will host either the Bills or Chiefs, both ranking in the top 10 in DVOA against the pass. These teams have effectively defended tight ends throughout the season, and Likely's value would diminish in any format if Andrews makes his return.