The Pittsburgh Steelers are taking steps to address weakness in their offensive line with the release of center Mason Cole.
The veteran lineman had one year remaining on his contract and saves the team just shy of $5 million in cap space.
Per Pro Football Focus, Cole’s overall offensive grade in 2023 was 55 (for comparison, PFF considers an average grade as 70-79.9), which breaks down as 63.8 in run blocking and 32.8 in pass blocking. He allowed 42 QB pressures (hits, hurries, sacks) and was beaten by defenders 27 times, including four in the wild card loss to the Buffalo Bills.
It’s safe to say Cole can be added to the worst free agent signings in Steelers’ history.
The move surely points to the Steelers taking a center within the first two rounds of the 2024 NFL draft.
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