Steelers could look into Free Agency for Maurkice Pouncey's Replacement

With the news Maurkice Pouncey retiring today you would think the Steeler would look toward the draft for his replacement. Not so fast. Prior history shows the Steelers will look toward free agency in order to help ease their needs heading into the NFL draft. In fact, before the Steelers drafted Maurkice Pouncey in 2010 they found their starting center in free agency on three different occasions according to Gerry Dulac. Those three starting centers were Jeff Hartings, Sean Mahan, and Justin Hartwig.

Common sense says if the Steelers found their starting center in free agency they wouldn't have to worry about drafting one in the 2021 NFL draft. That would open up for bigger needs like running back and offensive line in the earlier rounds. David Andrews from the New England Patriots, Alex Mack from the Atlanta Falcons, and Austin Blythe from the Los Angeles Rams are just some of the top centers available in free agency this season.