Anyone that thinks the salary cap is a myth will have a tough time explaining the recent actions of the Buffalo Bills. After going all-in on Josh Allen’s rookie window, the quarterback now carries a massive cap hit, and the Bills have released several key veterans to get under the 2024 salary cap. One of the biggest unexpected cuts is Mitch Morse, who becomes a free agent for the first time since the 2019 season.
At his best, Morse was one of the best centers in the league. Originally entering the league as a second-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Missouri product had four strong seasons as Kansas City’s starting center. Mitch Morse left for the Bills as a free agent in 2019 and helped Josh Allen blossom from a raw prospect to one of the best in the game.
5 Teams Who Could Sign Released Center Mitch Morse
Normally, teams don’t go crazy over released players, and there is usually a good reason as to why these athletes are available in the first place. However, that probably won’t be the case here. While Mitch Morse isn’t the player he once was, he’s still a starting-caliber center.
The Bills were $40 million over the salary cap, so they had to make some hard decisions with some good players who aren’t necessarily worth their salary. Buffalo cleared $8.5 million in cap space by releasing Morse, and they already had a direct replacement on the roster in Connor McGovern. While he will take a bit of a pay cut, the following five teams should be interested in signing Mitch Morse as a free agent.
New York Jets
Even if Aaron Rodgers is completely back to full strength, he’s not going to survive a full 17-game season behind this offensive line. The Jets have one of the worst offensive lines in football, and every single spot could use an upgrade. Mitch Morse might not be the player he once was, but the newest free agent is still a sizable upgrade on Connor McGovern. And yes, there are two different Connor McGovern’s playing center in the AFC East.
Los Angeles Chargers
Corey Linsley was one of the best centers in football, but the former All-Pro has probably played his last snap. After restructuring his deal to free up cap space, Linsley has effectively signaled that he will not be coming back from his non-emergent heart issue. Wihle this is a terrible way for a great player to end his career, the show must go on, and the Chargers need to find a new center. Head coach Jim Harbaugh loves the old-fashioned style of football, and free agent Mitch Morse brings the physicality that should mesh well with the new scheme.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have a lot of work to do if they want to properly support Bryce Young. While Bradley Bozeman isn’t the worst center in the league, there’s certainly some room for improvement. Mitch Morse should be a solid cost-effective free agent, and bringing him in will allow Bozeman to slide over to guard. Doing this means that Chandler Zavala will move to the bench, as the fourth-round rookie finished his inaugural season with the lowest pass blocking grade of any interior offensive lineman.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Mason Cole was one of the worst centers in the league last year, ranking 29th out of 36 eligible players in PFF grade. While the Steelers have already parted ways with Cole, they have yet to find a proper replacement. Mitch Morse probably won’t break the bank as a free agent, which is good news for a cash-strapped team like the Steelers. With arguably the worst quarterback situation in the the NFL, this team will need to improve everything around Kenny Pickett and/or Mason Rudolph if they want to make it back to the postseason.
New York Giants
Whether it’s Daniel Jones or a rookie, the New York Giants need to do something about their offensive line. Andrew Thomas is a great offensive tackle and is more than capable of protecting the quarterback’s blindside. The only probelm is that he can’t play the other four positions. John Michael Schmitz was a walking turnstyle last year, and the team can dramatically improve the offensive line just by replacing him with free agent Mitch Morse.
Main Photo: Eric Hartline – USA Today Sports
