The Pittsburgh Steelers have confirmed previous reports that offensive lineman J.C. Hassenauer is coming back in 2021.
The 25-year-old played in 15 games for the Steelers, starting in four. He played left guard in Week 15 and started in place of the now retired Maurkice Pouncey in the final week of the regular season when the team rested a handful of starters against Cleveland.
His first start game in Week 12 against the Ravens when Pouncey was placed on the COVID-19 list.
Hassenauer was listed as Pouncey’s backup on the team’s 2020 depth chart.
Hassenauer was not a restricted free agent and his one-year deal is reportedly worth $780,000.
The deal was reported last week and confirmed by his agent.
The Steelers like Hassenauer’s versatility but some question if he can step in to be the starting center in place of Pouncey