Steelers dip into AAF free agency, sign Hassanauer, Tocho

The Pittsburgh Steelers have taken advantage of the AAF’s dismemberment, adding an offensive lineman and defensive back to their roster.

J.C. Hassanauer, a center for the Birmingham Iron during their one and only dominating season, joins Pittsburgh to add depth behind Maurkice Pouncey. Hassanauer was part of Alabama’s National Championship team in 2017 before going undrafted. He was eventually signed by the Atlanta Falcons before being placed on their practice squad before the season.

The Steelers also added defensive back, Jack Tocho, another member of the Iron. Tocho, a former standout at North Carolina State, played in 49 games and finished with 122 tackles, 26 pass deflections and six interceptions.

Tocho will have to work to earn his place in Pittsburgh. He spent the 2018 NFL season on both the Minnesota Vikings’ and Washington Redskins’ practice squads. Despite being a productive member of the Irons defense,  Tocho comes to a Steelers team filled with depth in the secondary.

Predicting Artie Burns and Brian Allen stay on the team, Tocho will have to beat out to two corners looking to keep their time with the Steelers alive. For Hassanauer, he’s joining one of the best offensive lines in the league. He may not be a favorite to make the final 53, but no one should be counted out before camp.

This is likely the end of the Steelers’ free agent run. The market has provided plenty of additions for this team, in a number of areas they needed to fill gaps. Hopefully, these AAF players offer the same promise as the remaining NFL free agents.

With the NFL Draft approaching quick, the Steelers are turning their attention towards the newest members of the National Football League. They’ll have plenty to think about with 10 picks in the deck and endless possibilities on how they’re going to use them.