ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 04: A detail shot of the helmet of Mason Cole #61 of the Pittsburgh Steelers before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Pittsburgh Steelers have released a notable offensive starter in a cap-saving move.

On Friday afternoon, the Steelers announced that they have released starting center Mason Cole after two seasons. The move saves the AFC North club $4.75 million against the salary cap for 2024.

In 2022 free agency, the Steelers signed Cole to a three-year deal worth $15.75 million. The former Arizona Cardinals’ 2018 third-round pick (97th overall) started all 34 of Pittsburgh’s regular season games in 2022 and 2023 as well as their Wild Card Round loss to the Buffalo Bills last month.

Cole is the latest notable Steeler to be released as free agency on Mar. 13 draws closer. Earlier this month, veteran quarterback Mitch Trubisky was released following two seasons with the organization.

The Steelers snuck into the postseason with a 10-7 record, with third-stringer Mason Rudolph leading them on a three-game win streak to close out the year. Pittsburgh was no match for Buffalo, who cruised to a 31-17 victory on Super Wild Card Weekend.

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Next season will mark eight years since the Steelers’ last postseason victory, so reinforcements on offense are clearly needed. Releasing Cole and Trubisky is a start, but now the Steelers need to find a new starting center and additional QB competition for Kenny Pickett.