Toughest cut or keep predictions for the Steelers in 2023

Steelers could shuffle around Cole

Mason Cole seems to be unfairly criticized by a lot of Steelers fans. While I initially scoffed at the deal he received from the team, he has been a steady presence at center this season. While James Daniels has been the far better lineman addition, Cole has stabilized the center position and is an average option to fill in there.

The team can certainly look to the draft to find a developmental center in the middle rounds, but having Cole around means that they can address other holes instead. As well, Cole can play guard, if need be, so the team could look that way in the draft and move Cole to guard as well. He isn’t a flashy player, but he has earned a spot next season.

While many will point to the nearly 7-million-dollar cap hit as too much, this team needs some consistency along their line. Yes, I’m cutting Okorafor because he is an overpay, but he saves two times the amount of cap space that would be saved if the team moved on from Cole. He gives the team some interior flexibility and a steady presence.

Prediction: Cole is kept