In a shocking offseason move, Maurkice Pouncey has decided to retire. This will leave a big hole in the middle of the Steelers offensive line heading into 2021. On March 1st the Steelers made it official by placing Pouncey on the reserve/retired list. The Steelers recently brought back BJ Finney a week ago to fill in Pouncey's position. I thought by now the Steelers would have signed a Veteran Center to give Finney some help in 2021, but that doesn't seem to be the case so far.
The Steelers have looked at a few centers in the 2021 NFL draft so that could be a clue into their offseason plans regarding the center position going forward. The Steelers have talked with Trey Hill, Landon Dickerson, and Quinn Meinerz so far during their scouting process before the 2021 NFL draft. So it looks like the Steelers could be drafting a center barring any last-minute deals with a veteran in the offseason.
Bob Labriola was recently asked during his new Asked and Answered Article with the Steelers if BJ Finney was brought in for depth at guard and could the Steelers still take a center in the draft?
Here is Bob Labriola's full answer to the question: "In my view, the signing of B.J. Finney removes the urgency for the Steelers to use a high pick on a center who will prepared for the transition to the NFL and capable of playing immediately as a rookie. I still believe the Steelers will address the position at some point in the upcoming draft, and in the event that individual proves capable of playing as a rookie, Finney certainly would provide depth at all three interior offensive line positions. Otherwise, Finney can start at center."
It looks like Labriola doesn't think the Steelers will need to use a high draft pick for a center in the 2021 NFL draft. The problem is BJ Finney is prone to get hurt throughout the NFL season and if he goes down the Steelers will be in trouble if they do not have a solid backup to BJ Finney. Quinn Meinerz looks like to be one of the best fits for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He looks to play the part of the hard-working Pittsburgh Steeler player. He loves to work out in the woods and comes from a blue-collar working family. That would be a great fit for the Steelers. Ultimately, the Steelers will need to either add a veteran free agent or draft one because heading into the 2021 season with just BJ Finney and J.C. Hassenauer will not be ideal.
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