The Steelers need to address Center in both free agency and the NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers are zooming ahead to the start of the 2021 league year. With a handful of moves on the horizon, the team should be cap compliant and looking to plug the holes of their roster. One of the biggest challenges the Steelers are faced with is bringing in a suitable replacement for Maurkice Pouncey. Pouncey, who retired in February, was the vocal leader in the locker room, and was in charge of calling out the line’s blocking schemes.

With Ben Roethlisberger expected back at the helm, the Steelers can't just trot out some rookie or veteran minimum type player in Week 1. That would be a recipe for disaster. Instead, the Steelers need to take a good long look at the free gent market and compliment that with bringing in a prospect at some point in the draft.

If the Steelers were able to swing a deal for Corey Linsley, who grew up an hour away from Pittsburgh, they wouldn't have to worry about spending a high draft pick on the position. The reason being Linsley is one of the top center’s in the game, and frankly would never come off the field except for an injury. Working with a Superstar like Aaron Rodgers in the past would mesh well with having Ben Roethlisberger in the pocket.

Some other free agent that wouldn't need a backup include: David Andrews, Ted Karras, and Nick Martin.

However, the problem with those free agents is they are really expensive and could possibly become the only move the Steelers could afford to make this offseason. The position is important enough to which I wouldn't sweat bringing a top free agent however.

What appears more likely is the Steelers bringing in a mid-to-lower tier option and pairing him with a rookie. Someone like B.J. Finney, if he is cut, immediately jumps to mind as an obvious target for the Steelers.

As for those rookies, the two highest rated players, Creed Humphrey and Landon Dickerson, both project to be second round picks. However, someone could take either in the first round if the need is great enough. After that duio is Josh Myers and Quinn Meinerz, who could likely be found in the third round.

Bottom line is any of those prospects are going to need some time to marinate before they're ready to step on the field. Not everyone can be like Maurkice Pouncey and be dominant from the first snap of his career, and the Steelers more than anyone need to remember that sentiment.

But what do you think? How should the Steelers fill out their center position? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments below.