PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Replaced by what the Steelers claim was an injury situation at center at the end of the year, Kendrick Green could be moving to guard or at least have more competition. The Steelers to sign a free agent center on Wednesday.
NFL Network reports 6'5", 298-pound Mason Cole will sign a three-year deal with the Steelers when allowed at 4p on Wednesday. Cole started seven games with the Vikings at center and right guard before an elbow injury ended his season. The Michigan product spent his first three seasons with the Cardinals, starting 32 of 46 games-all at center.
Known as a much better run blocker than pass blocker, Cole rated as the 13th best center in football according to Pro Football Focus. He was ranked ahead of big-money free agent Ryan Jensen from Tampa Bay and 21 spots higher than Kendrick Green.
Cole started every game as a rookie in the NFL and every game while at the University of Michigan, setting an offensive line record with 51 career starts.
The Steelers agreed to four contracts on Monday all with younger players. Chukwuma Okorafor is 24-years-old, Cole, 25, Mitch Trubisky, 27 and Arthur Maulet, 28.
