The Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off their preseason with a 20-12 loss to the Houston Texans. It wasn’t the best performance, as the team struggled to find a rhythm on the field. However, there were some positives to take away despite the challenges. Early in the game, a couple of botched snaps between center Nate Herbig and quarterback Justin Fields raised concerns. These mishaps brought back unpleasant memories of Mason Cole’s struggles as the Steelers’ center during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Cole’s time in Pittsburgh was far from smooth. After signing a three-year, $15.75 million contract with the Steelers in March of 2022, he faced significant difficulties on the field. His performance issues were so pronounced that Pittsburgh decided to move on from him after just two seasons. Cole started in every game at center during his two years in Pittsburgh.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected center Zach Frazier in the second round, with the hope that he could become the next great anchor for their offensive line. Frazier comes in with high expectations, aiming to fill the void left by Cole and solidify the center position for years to come. The Steelers have a history of some great centers and Frazier has the potential to enter in those conversations.
Meanwhile, the Steelers’ AFC North rivals, the Cleveland Browns, also faced their own preseason woes. The Browns fell 23-10 to the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, but the loss was compounded by a significant injury to their backup center, Luke Wypler. Wypler suffered a severe right ankle injury during the game, which will require surgery. While it’s unclear if this injury will sideline him for the entire season, he is expected to miss a substantial amount of time.
As the preseason progresses, both teams will need to address their weaknesses and find ways to adapt. For the Steelers, one area of focus will be on ensuring their new center, Frazier, lives up to his potential. Herbig is challenging Frazier for the starting job and his botched snaps won’t help his case.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Former Steelers center Mason Cole practices during the team’s 2023 minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
The Browns, on the other hand, will have to navigate some of their season without a key backup player in their offensive line. This could open a door for Cole to join the Browns.
Ex-Steelers Failed Free Agent Mason Cole Could Join The Browns In 2024
The Browns recently unveiled their unofficial depth chart, naming Ethan Pocic as the starting center, with Wypler as his backup. However, Wypler’s 2024 season now faces uncertainty, prompting speculation about potential replacements. One name that would make a lot of sense for the Browns is Cole, a failed free agent signing by the Steelers, who could offer the Browns a viable solution.
This isn’t the first setback for the Browns at the center position. Earlier in camp, Brian Allen, another center, suffered a calf injury on the third day, landing him on Injured Reserve. With only one healthy center on the roster, the Browns are likely to explore the remaining free-agent market to bolster their depth. Cole, who remains unsigned after his release from Pittsburgh, stands out as a possible candidate.
A veteran in Cole would act as the perfect second-stringer. Experienced players often sign in August after injuries hit for teams. The Browns’ center situation is no different.
Signing Cole could be a strategic move for the Browns. Although he struggled during the 2023 season, Cole has starting experience, and his addition would provide competition for the starting role without the team having to rely on him exclusively. This would allow the Browns to maintain flexibility while securing much-needed depth at a critical position. Steelers fans would have no issues if the Browns wanted to sign Cole.
