Steelers’ Potential Solution At Center Mitch Morse Leaves Pittsburgh; Hops On A Flight To Jacksonville To Meet With The Jaguars

The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in need of a center after parting ways with former starting center, Mason Cole. It remains to be seen whether they will seek to fill this gap through free agency or the draft, adding an element of intrigue to their offseason plans. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills released veteran center Mitch Morse, who recently met with the Steelers on Friday, suggesting a potential opportunity for both parties to explore a new partnership.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN has reported that Morse concluded his visit in Pittsburgh and is now en route to Jacksonville for a meeting with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

For five seasons, Morse anchored the Bills' offensive line as their starting center, showcasing his talent and consistency on the field. His impressive performance was recognized with a Pro Bowl selection in 2022. Throughout his tenure, he displayed remarkable durability, starting in all 77 games he was available for during his time in Buffalo.

Steelers' Potential Center Mitch Morse Contract Situation With Buffalo

On March 6, 2024, Morse, the potential center target for the Steelers, made a significant career move as he was released by the Bills, effectively clearing $8.5 million of cap space. This development marked the end of his tenure in Buffalo, which began on March 11, 2019, when he signed a lucrative four year, $44.5 million contract with the team. 

Throughout his time with the Bills, Morse showcased his skills and commitment to the game, as evidenced by his willingness to accept a pay cut on March 9, 2021, clearing $3 million of cap space, and later signing a contract extension on March 14, 2022, worth $19.5 million over two years. 

Now, as Morse bids farewell to Buffalo, he sets his sights on a new chapter in his career, leaving Pittsburgh behind, for the time being, to meet with the Jaguars. 

Prior to his tenure in Buffalo, Morse spent four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he made significant contributions to the team's offensive line. Selected by the Chiefs in the second round, 49th overall, of the 2015 NFL Draft, Morse quickly established himself as a reliable starter. Over the course of his nine-year NFL career, he has demonstrated exceptional consistency, starting in all 126 games he has played.

Morse eventually ascended to the role of team captain during his tenure with the Bills, a testament to his leadership and dedication. His arrival in Buffalo came as a free agent, marking a significant addition to the team. However, the decision to release him was part of Buffalo's efforts to manage their salary cap effectively, leading to the departure of several established players in the process.

The Steelers remain on the lookout for their next starting center, and the method they'll use to secure their choice remains uncertain. Although the meeting with Morse didn't reach a conclusion on Friday, anticipation mounts regarding who will take on the role of snapping the football for the Steelers in 2024.

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