Steelers 2-a-days: Mason Cole, James Daniels signed to upgrade offensive line play
Editor’s note: From now until the first practice of training camp at Saint Vincent College, the Trib will be running through the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 90-man roster, assessing each player’s outlook for the 2022 season. The breakdown will go through the roster in mostly alphabetical order, two per day, between June 11 and July 25. Contract data courtesy spotrac.com.
C/G MASON COLE
Experience: 5th season
Contract status: $2.556 million cap hit in 2022, signed through 2024
2022 outlook: Cole was one of two interior offensive linemen that signed with the Steelers in free agency to beef up a unit that started two rookies and had only one returning starter in 2021. Cole came aboard after spending three seasons in Arizona and last year in Minnesota.
Although Cole can play all three interior spots, he was used as the first-string center in offseason workouts. The Steelers witnessed Cole’s blocking ability first hand in December. Starting at guard, Cole was part of a Vikings offensive line that rushed for 242 yards against the Steelers.
Cole started only half of his 14 games with the Vikings after starting 32 games with the Cardinals. The Steelers gave him a three-year contract to bring a veteran presence to a line that underperformed last year.
Former #Bears interior lineman James Daniels agreed to terms on a three-year deal with the #Steelers. https://t.co/QDXQD6QSgE
— Tribune-ReviewSports (@TribSports) March 16, 2022
G JAMES DANIELS
Experience: 5th season
Contract status: $4.166 million cap hit in 2022, signed through 2024
2022 outlook: Daniels received a three-year, $26.5 million contract that included an $8.75 million signing bonus. He joined Cole as free agents brought in to fix the interior of the offensive line.
Although Daniels spent his first three seasons in Chicago playing left guard, he was moved to right guard last year — and he’ll man that position for the Steelers. He replaces veteran Trai Turner, who was not pursued in free agency. Daniels has started 48 consecutive games, making him the most experienced member of the Steelers’ line.
Despite his veteran status, Daniels is still 24 years old, and he won’t turn 25 until two days after the season opener in Cincinnati.
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Joe Rutter is a TribLive reporter who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2016 season. A graduate of Greensburg Salem High School and Point Park, he is in his fifth decade covering sports for the Trib. He can be reached at jrutter@triblive.com.
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