Steelers Release Veteran Offensive Lineman Mason Cole
The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced the release of offensive lineman Mason Cole, marking the end of his two-year tenure as the team’s starting center.
Cole joined the Steelers in 2022 and has been a consistent presence, starting all 34 games for the team over the past two seasons. Despite his initial promise, concerns arose during the past year regarding snapping issues, prompting speculation about the team’s plans for the offseason. With Cole’s departure, the Steelers will now embark on a search for his replacement, aiming to address the center position.
The release of Cole translates to approximately $4.75 million in salary cap savings for the Steelers. Alongside other recent releases, including Mitch Trubisky, Chuks Okorafor, and Pressley Harvin, the team is strategically managing its financial resources.
With Cole’s departure, the Steelers now have vacancies at two key positions, including center. In the upcoming NFL Draft, prospects such as Jackson Powers-Johnson and Zach Frazier have drawn interest from Pittsburgh, with the team engaging with Powers-Johnson on two occasions during the Senior Bowl. Additionally, the Steelers may explore veteran options in free agency, with players like former Los Angeles Ram Brian Allen available on the market.
Heading into free agency, the Steelers currently possess approximately $13.5 million in salary cap space, with the league’s cap set at $255.5 million for the upcoming season. This financial flexibility provides the team with opportunities to address roster needs effectively.
