The Pittsburgh Steelers will feature a new-look team in 2022 as opposed to last season. That begins with the offensive line after the signings of veterans Mason Cole and James Daniels over the off-season. After spending the 2021 season with the Minnesota Vikings, Cole signed a three-year, $15.75 million contract. Daniels, also a four-year veteran from the NFC, signed a three-year, $26.5 million deal with Pittsburgh. Clearly, the front office saw the OL as a huge need this off-season, and they addressed it in a big way.
James Daniels runs through drills on the South Side. (Photo credit via Karl Roser)
On Tuesday, via Pittsburgh Tribune's Chris Adamski, offensive coordinator Matt Canada elaborated on the progress that's been made by the offensive line during OTA's. Particularly led by Cole and Daniels, the group seems to be building its chemistry daily. Of course, this kind of connection amongst the OL group is perhaps more important than any other position group in football.
"Chemistry's been great. I think those guys are working hard, I enjoy them a lot. That room is so important to be together [as a unit]. It's been fun to get to know them [Daniels and Cole]. They're both good guys. You can see the younger guys gravitating to them," said Canada.
Not only will Cole and Daniels (likely) bring a better on-field product to the OL room, but their leadership for the young guys will be very helpful. The team has seemingly lacked those kind of guys over the past few years after the retirements of David DeCastro, Maurkice Pouncey, and Ramon Foster. Trai Turner is the one exception, as he was that guy last season. Turner, who signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Washington Commanders, provided leadership in the locker room for Pittsburgh in 2021.
Aug 12, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh's offensive guard Kevin Dotson (69) and offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65) walk off the field against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
With that being said, having multiple veterans in the group will help immensely. Kevin Dotson and Kendrick Green seem to be two obvious beneficiaries of the presence of Cole and Daniels. While it will dock one of the two's playing times in 2022, they will be able to learn from two true professionals that play their same position(s). Chukwuma Okorafor and Dan Moore Jr. will reap benefits as well, despite playing at the tackle positions. It's clear the signings of Daniels and Cole have helped bring this unit together a bit more chemistry-wise as well.
SteelerNation, are you guys optimistic for the outlook of this offensive line? What are your expectations for Cole and Daniels? Be sure to share your opinion in the comments below!
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