Steelers 2020 Free Agent Market Watch: The Centers the Steelers can’t afford

Disclaimer: The author realizes that the team is burning in Salary Cap Hell and can’t pony up much money for free agents. However, you never know what they have planned and it’s the author’s responsibility to highlight the free agent options. It’s like the lyric in the Kenny Rogers gem, The Gambler...”You got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away and know when to run.” Well, kind of.

While some may disagree, the Steelers still have a Pro Bowl Center in Maurkice Pouncey and really aren’t looking to upgrade there. If they added, it would probably be through the draft. However, B.J. Finney is their depth piece for when Pouncey or a guard is out...but Finney is a free agent and the team might not be able to retain No. 67. But they most likely want to.

ONCE AGAIN. THE AUTHOR REALIZES THAT THE STEELERS DO NOT HAVE THE FUNDS FOR MANY OF THESE PLAYERS. HOWEVER, THIS IS THE LIST OF WHO IS AVAILABLE TO THE ENTIRE LEAGUE AND THE STEELERS. YOU CAN CRITICIZE THE IDIOT AUTHOR IN FACEBOOK OR BLEACHER REPORT COMMENTS FOR WASTING YOUR TIME AND NOT KNOWING ANYTHING AT ALL, AGAIN AND AGAIN. HOWEVER, THESE WILL CONTINUE TO APPEAR.

Here is the list of free agents at the position should the Steelers or the competition be shopping. One more time, the author is aware that Steelers have little room under the cap. But if you read the entire article, you’ll be able to amaze your friends, family, co-workers and people in line at the bank or supermarket with your vast knowledge of NFL Free Agents.

C/G B.J. Finney - Pittsburgh Steelers

Age 28, 6’4”/317 lbs.

Stats: Games - 16, Offensive Snaps Played - 325, Sacks Allowed - 1, Penalties - 1

No. 32 PFF Position Ranking

Overall Grade: 56.9 (Average), Pass Blocking 72.0 (Above Average), Run Blocking 52.1 (Below Average)

Finney has been a quality Pittsburgh Steeler and while he grades out as merely average, he’s valuable to the Steelers. However, teams with a lot of room under the cap will pursue him with a hefty deal like the Browns did Chris Hubbard a few years back.

C/G Connor McGovern- Denver Broncos

Age 27, 6’4”/305 lbs.

Stats: Games - 16, Offensive Snaps Played - 1013, Sacks Allowed - 1, Penalties - 0

No. 11 PFF Position Ranking

Overall Grade: 71.9 (Above Average), Pass Blocking 82.5 (High Quality), Run Blocking 64.0 (Average)

Like Finney, McGovern can play multiple positions. As a starter last year, McGovern shined. He ranked just outside of the top ten at his position and played at a high level while making few mistakes.

C Matt Skura - Baltimore Ravens (RFA)

Age 27, 6’4”/291 lbs.

Stats: Games - 11, Offensive Snaps Played - 717, Sacks Allowed - 1, Penalties - 2

No. 17 PFF Position Ranking

Overall Grade: 68.7 (Above Average), Pass Blocking 63.5 (Average), Run Blocking 68.8 (Above Average)

This is an interesting situation for the Ravens Center and his team. After going down in November with tears of the MCL, PCL and ACL, Skura is in for a long rehabilitation. He’s a quality player, but Skura likely won’t be ready for camp. But due to the circumstances, the Ravens likely retain him.

C Ted Karras - New England Patriots

Age 27, 6’4”/305 lbs.

Stats: Games - 15, Offensive Snaps Played - 1041, Sacks Allowed - 2, Penalties - 3

No. 20 PFF Position Ranking

Overall Grade: 64.5 (Average), Pass Blocking 57.8 (Average), Run Blocking 65.8 (Above Average)

The NFL legacy became the starter and filled in ably for the entire 2019 Pats when David Andrews went down. A starter in 19 NFL games, Karras is a two-time Super Bowl champ. A solid run blocker, Karras will get some good nods in free agency.

C/G Ben Garland - San Francisco 49ers

Age 31, 6’5”/308 lbs.

Stats: Games - 9, Offensive Snaps Played - 236, Sacks Allowed - 1, Penalties - 1

No. 12 PFF Position Ranking

Overall Grade: 59.1 (Average), Pass Blocking 62.8 (Average), Run Blocking 59.3 (Average)

Garland is a veteran of two Super Bowls and started in the loss to KC last month for the injured Weston Richburg. Like Finney, Garland is rated average across the board...but cam be counted on to fill-in and do it well.

Other Notable Free Agent Centers

A.Q. Shipley - Arizona Cardinals

Ryan Kalil - New York Jets

John Halapio - New York Giants (RFA)

Tyler Shatley - Jacksonville Jaguars