The free agency period this year has been as hectic as it has ever been. That's been the case for the Pittsburgh Steelers as well.
On the offensive side of the ball, there are undeniably many holes to fill. Arguably the most important is at the center position following the release of Mason Cole.
Last season, one of the free agents they signed was former Jets offensive lineman Nate Herbig. As it stands right now, Herbig is one of only two linemen on the roster that can play the center position. The only other option is Ryan McCollum, who has only made one career NFL start. Herbig himself played only 49 career snaps at center, with the majority of them coming at right and left guard.
For the Steelers, the ideal approach to solving their center issue is through the draft or what remains from free agency. One name that has been suggested is former Miami Dolphins center Conner William. Considering he tore his ACL last season, his status for next season could be in doubt. Another possible option is former Carolina Panther Bradley Bozeman, who has had 77 career starts since being drafted in 2018. However, Bozeman struggled last season, surrendering eight sacks and 32 pressures on 1,148 offensive snaps.
Everything suggests that they will select their next franchise center from the draft. The class of centers this year is fortunately one of the deepest in recent memory. The organization has already held meetings with several potential prospects this offseason. The team most recently welcomed Zach Frazier of West Virginia for a top-30 visit. Considered by many to be the top center in this year's class, Jackson Powers-Johnson of Oregon met the team at the Senior Bowl this year and has been on their radar ever since.
The Steelers are dedicated to locating the finest center out there to support their offense, regardless of the strategy they choose. They won't find their solution in free agency, if history is any guide.