PITTSBURGH — With the uncertainty surrounding the Steelers' quarterback situation on Sunday in Atlanta, the seemingly real possibility that Russell Wilson's debut with the team could be delayed due to a lingering calf issue, general manager Omar Khan made a wise move by ensuring Pat Freiermuth will take the field with a contract extension firmly in hand.

Under-utilized at times last year, Freiermuth could be in store for a breakout season. It's smart business for the Steelers to get something done now, before the price potentially skyrockets, and also to ensure Freiermuth remains with the organization for years to come.

This storyline has been fairly obvious to see since OTAs in May, when the Steelers began formally installing Arthur Smith's offense. Although his usage was minimal throughout the preseason, it's smart money — and now significant money — to expect Freiermuth to get the ball a lot.

"I feel like with the new offense, a lot of stuff will run through the tight ends," Freiermuth told me back in May. "I'm excited for that. I'm ready to roll."

And extremely financially equipped, after the Steelers and Freiermuth agreed on a new five-year contract for $49.88 million that includes $23.38 million guaranteed, sources told the Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac. It includes 2024 and a four-year extension.

How Smith likes to use his tight ends should definitely result in plenty of "Muuuuth" chants at Acrisure Stadium on Sundays this fall — and Freiermuth's first game as an absurdly rich man comes in an ironic place: Atlanta.

Just last season, the Falcons allocated 174 targets to tight ends compared to 91 for the Steelers. Percentage-wise, it broke down to 34% compared to 19.2% in Pittsburgh.

Two years prior, Atlanta targeted then-rookie Kyle Pitts 110 times, which was the fifth-most in the NFL. Last season, Pitts and Jonnu Smith combined for 1,249 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

Freiermuth, meanwhile, wasn't involved nearly enough when Matt Canada was here, catching just eight passes in the first four games of last season before suffering an injury.

The first game after Canada was fired: Freiermuth caught nine balls for 120 yards.

Between injuries and an inconsistent role, it all left something to be desired. But there should be no such issue getting the football in Freiermuth's hands this time around, whether it's Russell Wilson under center against the Falcons or Justin Fields.

Both love Freiermuth, who should be the top option to take attention away from George Pickens.

The Steelers can and have used Freiermuth out wide. He's obviously comfortable as an in-line tight end and excels when it comes to finding soft spots in zone coverage, his sure hands a welcomed asset for either quarterback.

"Pat is a unique player," Smith said Thursday. "He had a lot of early success in the league. He has a great feel in space. I'd imagine he was a great basketball player.

"There are certain guys who get it. They know how to find windows in zone. They know how to set up guys up in man [coverage]. He has a really good feel as a tight end and space player."

It was a busy offseason for Freiermuth, who revamped his diet after learning that his body didn't process dairy well, and also cleaned up his running stride.

Looking smoother in his routes is something Freiermuth said he heard from coaches throughout OTAs and minicamp.

The combination of those things tells me Freiermuth should far exceed his sophomore season output when he caught 63 passes on 98 targets for 732 yards and two touchdowns.

My prediction: Those numbers are going to look like a pittance compared to how much Freiermuth produces in 2024.

There's also a cool Steelers lineage element here. Nothing against Jesse James, Vance McDonald or Ladarius Green, but Freiermuth's ceiling may very well be higher.

He's also about to be used way differently, which should easily make Freiermuth the Steelers' best tight end since Heath Miller.

Smith hasn't been shy about why he loves throwing to tight ends. They're generally higher-completion throws, and it's a way to roll out a more diverse offense.

From a pure production standpoint, there are understandable concerns about a receiving group that was seemingly supposed to be upgraded ... but wasn't.

Having Freiermuth break out because of a system that suits him won't be a bad thing. It's also fitting from a personality standpoint that Freiermuth stays.

One of the players who has been the most welcoming and accommodating with the Steelers has been Freiermuth. He's a huge baseball fan, and we've had plenty of conversations about the Pirates and the Red Sox.

Freiermuth a few months ago joked that he'd really like to meet Paul Skenes and get a signed bat, if I had any connections over there, to see if I could make it happen.

Given Friday's news — as well as the surge Freiermuth will soon see on the stat sheet and his bank account — here's guessing that he doesn't need my help with that.

(c)2024 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.