The Pittsburgh Steelers signed one of their three remaining exclusive rights free agents Monday when they retained center J.C. Hassenauer on a one-year contract.

Hassenauer made his NFL debut with the Steelers in 2020 and played in 15 games, starting three at center and one at left guard. His deal is worth an estimated $780,000.

With the retirement of Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey, Hassenauer is the most experienced player at the position. The Steelers are expected to sign a veteran center in free agency or take one in the NFL Draft.

Hassenauer was a little-used center at Alabama, then was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He spent part of the 2019 season on the Steelers practice squad.

Hassenauer made all four of his starts last year in the second half of the season. He started Week 12 and 13 when Pouncey was on the reserve/covid-19 list, and he started the season finale against Cleveland when Pouncey was rested. Hassenauer also started Week 15 at Cincinnati at left guard when Matt Feiler and Kevin Dotson were out with injuries.

The remaining exclusive rights free agents on the roster are inside linebacker Robert Spillane and safety/linebacker Marcus Allen. Exclusive rights free agents have no negotiating power and typically are signed for the NFL minimum salary.

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