Centre Mason Cole is cut by the Steelers before he can join free agency.

Mason Cole, a centre, has been released, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced on their X account on Friday.

Cole signed a three-year contract in March 2022 and has started at centre for the Steelers for the last two seasons. Cole had noticeable issues in 2023 following a passable debut season. Steelers supporters were frequently disappointed by his inability to snap the ball accurately. Clearly, Pittsburgh’s front office thought the same thing.

In 2024, Cole was scheduled to earn $6.2 million in the last year of his deal. The black and gold will avoid losing $4.75 million if he is released off the cap.

Some of the best centre prospects in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft have generated a lot of discussion. In Steelers circles, names like Zach Frazier of West Virginia and Jackson Powers-Johnson of Oregon have been all over the news. Pittsburgh will select 20th overall.

In the event that Pittsburgh chooses to go with a more experienced player, 2023 Denver Broncos centre Lloyd Cushenberry III, a free agent, is expected to be well-known and considered the best centre available. After having trouble early in his career, Cushenberry III was able to emerge in the latter few seasons.

There’s no denying that the Steelers will add a centre after Cole’s departure, regardless of whether they decide to add via the draft or free agency.