J.C. Hassenauer, who finished the 2021 season as the starting center for the Pittsburgh Steelers, signed his one-year exclusive rights tender for next season.
Hassenauer, 26, is heading into his third NFL season and will compete for a backup spot along the interior of the offensive line in 2022. He will earn $895,000 if he makes the 53-man roster.
Hassenauer replaced injured rookie center Kendrick Green late in the season and started games against Cleveland and Baltimore. He also started at center for the Steelers’ wild-card playoff game at Kansas City. He also started at left guard against the Los Angeles Chargers.
In two years, he has started seven games and appeared in 28 of a possible 33 games.
In addition to Green returning for his second season, the Steelers signed center/guard Mason Cole and James Daniels in free agency to start on the interior of the line.
