The Steelers’ Mason Cole release made it fairly clear they will look for a new starting center. The Jaguars have not effectively replaced the retired Brandon Linder. Both AFC clubs are pursuing a recent cap casualty.
Mitch Morse made a trip to Pittsburgh to meet with the Steelers, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Joe Rutter. The Jaguars have also scheduled a visit with the recent Bills cut, per ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler. Morse spent the past five seasons as the Bills’ starting center, but the team released him amid a roster purge.
Cole worked as the Steelers’ starting center for the past two seasons, playing in every game in that span. The Jaguars have received equal durability from 2022 third-round pick Luke Fortner, who has made every start since joining the team. Pro Football Focus has graded Fortner as one of the NFL’s worst centers, slotting him 34th and 35th at the position, respectively, in 2022 and ’23.
The Jags and Steelers each have two veteran contracts on the books at guard. Pittsburgh added two midrange contracts to its cap sheet over the past two Marches, signing James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo. Jacksonville splurged for Brandon Scherff two years ago and recently re-signed 2023 trade pickup Ezra Cleveland. Both teams have QBs on rookie contracts, though the Jags have more money at tackle, with Cam Robinson on a $17MM-per-year contract. The Jags restructured Scherff’s contract earlier today; they are set to keep the Pro Bowler for a third season.
A former second-round Chiefs pick, Morse has made 126 career starts. The Mizzou alum did not miss a game last season, but the Bills viewed him as expendable as they attempt to create cap space in another pivotal offseason. PFF ranked Morse as the NFL’s No. 20 overall center last season. Morse signed two Bills contracts and will be looking for a fourth NFL accord.
Hats off to Mitch, but he’s likely one concussion shy of retirement (he has six to date)
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