Steelers re-sign the first of their free agents

[hawaiiansteel]

Ben got the ball rolling...

Steelers sign J.C. Hassenauer to a one-year deal

Posted by Charean Williams on March 4, 2021

Earlier in the day, the Steelers reached a new deal with Ben Roethlisberger to create cap space. They have 19 unrestricted free agents, some of whom they hope to keep.

The Steelers have ensured the return of one of their exclusive rights free agents.

The team signed center J.C. Hassenauer to a one-year deal, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports. Hassenauer was scheduled to become an exclusive rights free agent.

The Steelers are looking to replace Maurkice Pouncey, who recently retired, and Hassenauer is a candidate for the job. Hassenauer started four games in place of Pouncey last season.

Hassenauer, 25, signed with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent out of Alabama in 2018. He spent some time on Atlanta’s practice squad.

Hassenauer played for the Birmingham Iron of the Alliance of American Football in 2019.

He initially signed with the Steelers on Nov. 20, 2019, joining their practice squad.

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/03/04/steelers-sign-j-c-hassenauer-to-a-one-year-deal/

[Captain Lemming]

Ben got the ball rolling...

Steelers sign J.C. Hassenauer to a one-year deal

Posted by Charean Williams on March 4, 2021

Earlier in the day, the Steelers reached a new deal with Ben Roethlisberger to create cap space. They have 19 unrestricted free agents, some of whom they hope to keep.

The Steelers have ensured the return of one of their exclusive rights free agents.

The team signed center J.C. Hassenauer to a one-year deal, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports. Hassenauer was scheduled to become an exclusive rights free agent.

The Steelers are looking to replace Maurkice Pouncey, who recently retired, and Hassenauer is a candidate for the job. Hassenauer started four games in place of Pouncey last season.

Hassenauer, 25, signed with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent out of Alabama in 2018. He spent some time on Atlanta’s practice squad.

Hassenauer played for the Birmingham Iron of the Alliance of American Football in 2019.

He initially signed with the Steelers on Nov. 20, 2019, joining their practice squad.

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...one-year-deal/

Whew...I was so worried he was gone. Thanks to Ben, we got the cap space for this essential signing.

[hawaiiansteel]

Whew...I was so worried he was gone. Thanks to Ben, we got the cap space for this essential signing.

well, this signing does increase the amount of centers on our roster to one.

[SteelBucks]

It’s better than the alternative and purging the roster.

[Ernie]

It’s better than the alternative and purging the roster.

We are right at the cap limit now. With something like 17 or 19 or our FA still unsigned. Better believe a purge is coming.

[Joel Buchsbaum]

We've got him! And he played for the Birmingham Iron, you know he's dedicated. See what Ben working with the Steelers and saving us 5 million in cap space can do?

[NorthCoast]

Well you know, the falloff when he subbed for Pouncey last season was barely noticeable.... and Pouncey was a pro bowler.

[The Man of Steel]

Well you know, the falloff when he subbed for Pouncey last season was barely noticeable.... and Pouncey was a pro bowler.

That’s good to know because I was kind of viewing him as the next A.Q. Shipley or Doug Legursky.

[SteelBucks]

We are right at the cap limit now. With something like 17 or 19 or our FA still unsigned. Better believe a purge is coming.

Oh I know. It’s going to be a bloodbath across the NFL next week. Pittsburgh included.

[Chucktownsteeler]

That’s good to know because I was kind of viewing him as the next A.Q. Shipley or Doug Legursky.

A.Q. Shipley cobbled together a pretty long NFL career.

[NorthCoast]

It will be interesting who is eventually cut. This could tell us whether the Steelers are still in a "win now" mode or building for the future (yes, I heard what Tomlin said). Personally, I think the win now window past by a few seasons ago (2017). There are just too many moving parts starting to come into play.

[NorthCoast]

NFL: When does NFL tampering period begin?
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Walter Sharp FOLLOW
ANALYST
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Modified 35 min ago

The NFL's new calendar year is set to start on March 17, 2021. On March 9th NFL franchises have one last chance to franchise tag players. In between, there are two days that are just as important. During March 15th - March 17th the NFL tampering period takes place.

Let's take a look at what an NFL franchise can and cannot do during the NFL tampering period.

What can NFL franchises do during the tampering period?
During the NFL tampering period, teams can speak with unrestricted free agents only. Negotiations between unrestricted free agents and teams are being conducted with the player's representation. NFL teams and players' agents will discuss ale aspects of an NFL player's contract.

What is off limits when it comes to the NFL tampering period?

NFL franchises cannot reach out to any restricted free agents or exclusive rights free agents during the tampering period. NFL teams can't directly contact the players who are unrestricted free agents. If a player decides to act as their own representation, the team still cannot meet with that player.

During the two-day period, no contracts can be executed or agreed to in principle during the NFL tampering period. NFL players who are interested in signing with a new team can't visit that team or make plans to visit that team during this time. If the NFL franchise and the players representation feel that the player is a good fit they can't offer the new contract until after the new calendar year starts on March 17th.

What happens if an NFL team is caught breaking the rules during the tampering period?Minnesota Vikings v Seattle Seahawks
Minnesota Vikings v Seattle Seahawks

If a franchise is caught breaking the set rules for the NFL tampering period it comes with big consequences. An NFL team could face a loss of draft picks and fines from the League if they break the rules. The Kansas City Chiefs know about the rough consequences of breaking the rules during the tampering period.


The Chiefs were caught breaking the rules during the tampering period with wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. During the 2015 tampering period, the Chiefs directly contacted Maclin to discuss a contract. This is not allowed during this period and later signed Jeremy Maclin to a five-year, $55 million contract.

For breaking the rules, the Kansas City Chiefs lost their third-round pick in the 2015 draft and their sixth-round pick in the 2016 draft. Kansas City was also fined $200,000 as a team. Head coach Andy Reid and GM John Dorsey were fined a combined total of $80,000 for the incident.

[whatever]

We know the guy isn’t any good but it gives us a sorta able body. I’m sure he was cheap and it gives us at least a back up going into FA and the draft. Good move.

[hawaiiansteel]

I would expect us to re-sign our other two ERFAs Marcus Allen and Robert Spillane also for the league minimum.

[Ernie]

I would expect us to re-sign our other two ERFAs Marcus Allen and Robert Spillane also for the league minimum.

Pretty amazing to think our likely starter at ILB next to Bush could be playing for the league minimum.
That is if you subscribe to the idea that VW is a cap casualty.