The New Orleans Saints will not have Erik McCoy for the next 6-8 weeks, so they could turn to free agent Mason Cole as a short-term fix. Widely considered a weakness entering the season, the Saints offensive line has surprised throughout the first three weeks of the season. This success wouldn’t be possible without McCoy, the anchor of the interior offensive line. As of this posting, the former second-round pick leads the league with a 95.5 PFF grade, a full three points ahead of the next-closest player (Creed Humphrey, 91.9).
The Saints depth along the offensive line was an issue before the McCoy injury, but now it’s a serious concern. Now with a 2-1 record sitting atop the NFC South, New Orleans could pursue a free agent like former Pittsburgh Steelers center Mason Cole. While he’s nothing special, the six-year veteran can play at an adequate level. However, if the Saints want him, they’ll need to sign him before other needy teams like the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers get a chance.
Free Agent Mason Cole Could Have Interest From Saints, Lions, Chargers
The Saints aren’t the only team that lost their star center in Week 3. The Detroit Lions have battled through an absurd amount of injuries in 2024, and Frank Ragnow is the latest to join the list. The former All-Pro suffered a partially torn pec and is reportedly considered week-to-week. Ragnow is one of the toughest players in football, so perhaps he can return to the field after two or three weeks. However, a fully torn pectoral muscle is a season-ending injury, so this could keep him sidelined for a while. If the Lions need a short-term starter, they could target free agent Mason Cole.
The Lions established themselves as one of the league’s top offenses due in large part to their elite offensive line. While they still have a strong overall unit, the glaring hole at center is difficult to ignore. Mason Cole cannot come close to replicating Ragnow’s production, but the free agent won’t be an active liability. You don’t want Cole to be your best offensive lineman, but you can survive if he’s the worst blocker in the starting lineup.
Winning In the Trenches
Unlike the Lions and Saints, the Los Angeles Chargers did not lose their starting center to injury. Bradley Bozeman is healthy, but the former Panther might lose his job thanks to poor performance. Head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win games in the trenches, and you can’t do that with abysmal center play. According to Pro Football Focus, Bozeman’s 50.6 PFF grade is the worst mark in the league out of 33 eligible centers. PFF grades aren’t gospel, but in this case, the eye test backs up the grade. Mason Cole might not be a superstar, but the free agent should be an upgrade on what Los Angeles currently has.
With Justin Herbert battling injury and not playing up to his usual standard, the rest of the team must compensate for his limited abilities. This means winning with the run game and dominating in the trenches. Bozeman isn’t getting the job done, and a free agent like Mason Cole could clear rushing lanes for a resurgent J.K. Dobbins.
Main Photo: Mark Konezny – USA Today Sports
