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Final grades for every Steelers free agent signing from 2022

By Andrew Falce

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 20: Myles Jack #51 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a tackle during the first half of a preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on August 20, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 20: Myles Jack #51 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a tackle during the first half of a preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on August 20, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images) /
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Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers center Mason Cole (61) Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Steelers signed Cole

Contract: 3 years, 15.75 million

Initial Grade: F+

Final Grade: B-

A contract I initially despised, Mason Cole was one of the most pleasant surprises on this team this season. The former draft bust was looking like a journeyman, and I thought the deal he received was well over market value. I figured he would be a more consistent center than Kendrick Green but still would be a lackluster option overall.

Early in the season, Cole looked like this team’s best lineman. He was more than just a stable face, was making an impact as a blocker and was defending the interior of the line well. As the season progressed, his play got worse, but he was never the below-average starter I thought he would be when he was signed.

While Cole shouldn’t be a fixture on this line long-term, his deal is cheap enough to allow him to stick around for at least another season. The Steelers can look to find either a guard or center this year, as Cole can switch to either spot. He isn’t an elite player, but for the money and given how he played, Cole was an above-average addition to this team.

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