5 recent cap casualties that the Steelers need to consider

Nick Easton

If the Steelers wanted to spend a little more money and get a more permanent fix at center, Nick Easton could be a mid-range signing that can help transition to the next center. Easton has position flexibility as well, as he has starting experience at both center and guard. While he hasn’t been a dominant lineman throughout his career, he would be more than serviceable on a short contract for the team.

If the Steelers signed Easton, it would mean that they wouldn’t be forced to pull the trigger on a center in the early rounds. While that could still happen, it wouldn’t be as big of a priority as it would be if Finney is the only addition before the draft. Eason could easily hold his own for a year or two as the team fills bigger needs or develops a later round center to take over.

The only question with Easton would be his price tag. While he never was a full-time starter, versatile linemen tend to find work above the minimum salary. That said, if the team could get him on a moderate two-year deal with a low cap hit in the first year, it could be well worth it. It would provide the Steelers with an instant starter and allow them for far more flexibility going into the draft.