Steelers Still Have 3 Options As A Solution At Center In 2024

The 2024 NFL Draft is three weeks away, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have begun to shift their focus to finding depth pieces, and putting their draft board together. Most of the team's holes have been filled, or will be filled in the upcoming draft, but addressing the need at center still remains a major priority for the Black and Gold.

After the release of Mason Cole earlier this offseason, there is currently no center on the roster with starting experience. The only natural center listed is Ryan McCollum with guard Nate Herbig capable of filling in (and currently listed as the starter). In an Interview on 93.7 The Fan, The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly provided a glimpse into what he thinks the Steelers intend to do at the position as it pertains to the draft.

“They don’t want to have to take a center in the first round, but they’d much rather get their center in the second round or potentially third round.”

Though this could mean the Steelers would be content in taking someone like Jackson Powers-Johnson in the first round, the plan would be to take a tackle in round one, and then addressing the other major needs. That includes receiver, center, and cornerback later in the draft. This would indicate that the Steelers would want to bring in a veteran center who is capable of starting, and create competition for whatever rookie would be brought in later in the draft. With a few quality options still available in free agency, here are three potential fits for the Steelers in 2024. 

Bears' Cody Whitehair

Whitehair has been with the Chicago Bears since 2016, but finds himself on the market at the age of 31. Whitehair, who was drafted as a center, has played primarily guard over the past few seasons, but still has the ability to play at center. Whitehair has been a model of consistency in his eight-year career, including a 117 game starting streak that was ended in November of 2023, as well as a Pro Bowl nod in 2018. Not only would the addition of Whitehair reunite him with Justin Fields, but would be a great mentor for whoever the Steelers add in the draft. Whitehair played just shy of 800 snaps last season allowing only 3 sacks, which was good for 30th among eligible players according to Pro Football Focus. 

Steelers' Mason Cole

It wouldn’t be surprising if the Steelers bring back Cole to pair with a rookie. Cole, now 28, stayed healthy last year being available to play every game, while only allowing 2 sacks. In fact, over the past two seasons, he started all but one game and allowed only 4 total sacks. 

Despite his availability however, he didn’t do Steelers quarterbacks any favors as his production took a step back in 2023. Penalties against him went up, and his protection in both run and pass protection suffered. Regardless, the familiarity with Cole in Pittsburgh and the continuity with the current offensive line makes him an intriguing option to fill the hole left by his cut back in February.

Dolphins' Connor Williams

Connor Williams is one of the last “big-name” offensive lineman still on the free agency market, listed as #51 on NFL Insider Gregg Rosenthal’s Top 101 Free Agents list. Williams, who spent some time in Dallas prior to spending the last two seasons in Miami, suffered a torn ACL in Week 14 last season, which places his timetable to return into question. There have been reports that Williams' knee injury may be more severe than what was initially diagnosed, but if the Steelers wish to take a swing on a 26 year old center with 76 starts under his belt, you likely could get Williams on a more team-friendly deal with high upside.