The Steelers Signing A Specific Veteran Center Is The Perfect Move To End The Kendrick Green Experiment

There has been plenty of talk surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers situation at the backup center position. According to ESPN's version of the team's depth chart, Kendrick Green sits behind Mason Cole. It's hard to imagine, however, that the coaching staff is comfortable with the 2021 third-round pick manning the front if Cole were to potentially get injured. It seems as if Green provides more value as a fullback at this moment in time, but that's not going to be a reason to keep him around if another name enters the conversation. The front office needs to strongly consider bringing in a name from the outside.

Green has been extremely inconsistent throughout his time in Pittsburgh. He was the starting center in his first year, which was an underwhelming experience for all parties involved. He had countless poor snaps, committed penalties and seemed as if he was out of position. This led to him not being active for a single game in his sophomore year in 2022.

Now, as the Steelers went out and beefed up their offensive line depth, it seems as if Green may be on the outside looking in once the final roster cut comes before the 2023 regular season. He currently has a shot to hang around specifically because Ryan McCollum did not look all that great in his first preseason action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Pittsburgh has a great amount of depth at nearly every position, but if Cole were to get injured, the offensive line may have some serious issues. It would be wise for General Manager, Omar Khan to take a look at the free agency market to bring in an experienced guy who would be able to step in if anything were to happen to Cole. Green and McCollum don't seem to be the answers.

Steelers Have A Great Free Agent Option To Be The Backup Center In 2023

There is no reason to bring in a younger, inexperienced player to play behind Cole. The Steelers are going to want to have someone who can come in and step up immediately if needed and also lead in the locker room. One of the top free agents still available is 34-year old center, Ben Jones, who most recently played for the Tennessee Titans and made a Pro Bowl in 2022.

Jones began his career with the Houston Texans after being selected in the fourth round in the 2012 NFL Draft. Despite his age, he has incredible starting experience having 151 starts under his belt. He has also only played less than 15 games in a season once. He has the kind of durability a team would be looking for in a potential backup center.

It's clear that the Green experiment hasn't worked out like the team hoped it would and the chances of him being on the team for a fourth year in 2024 are extremely slim. There is no reason for the organization to keep him around, especially if he can't be trusted to backup Cole in 2023. Jones is a perfect veteran option who has the capability to still be a starting center in the NFL.

The hope is that Cole stays healthy for the entire 2023 season, but the offensive line is a volatile place to play. It's hard to imagine that the team and offense as a whole will be comfortable with Green being the second option. It seems like a no brainer to reach out to a player who would be entering his 12th NFL season and accepting of a backup role at this point in his career. Jones would be a much better number two over Green or McCollum.