Grading Steelers intriguing free agent signings early in the process

Mason Cole, OG/C, 3 years, $15.75 million

Mason Cole has been a guard and center during his time in the NFL. He was a former third-round selection in the 2018 draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He played this past season with the Minnesota Vikings. This player has had up and down results up to this point in his career.

This interior offensive lineman will have time to figure out which position he will play for this team. It seems likely that he will slide into the starting right guard spot on day one. That will also depend on if the Steelers decide to still add to the offensive trenches in the draft or not.

This player is a decent run-blocker but there is more to be seen in his pass protection. It is going to be interesting to see if this franchise decides to still address this position going forward or not. In an ideal world, this player would probably be a swiss-army-knife type that can move around the offensive line in a depth role that can start when called upon.

Grade: C-

This isn’t the worst deal that was given out yesterday in the NFL, but it isn’t the best either. Cole is a decent pickup that doesn’t cost too much. He can provide competition and a starter at center and guard so that versatility is unique.

The major issue is this player really won’t be a major upgrade that the team needs for their line. This could become better depending on how his contract is laid out and the team can cut bait after a year if this signing doesn’t work out. He is an ok player but nothing that will vastly improve the trenches.