Report: Steelers to sign former AAF center J.C. Hassenauer

Several players from the now-defunct Alliance of American Football (AAF) are finding their way to the NFL. The latest is former Birmingham Iron center J.C. Hassenauer who is set to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers per ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler.

Hassenaur spent time last season on the Atlanta Falcons practice squad after a four-year career at the University of Alabama. Hassenaur was never a regular starter with the Crimson Tide but was a key reserve and filled in at both guard and center.

Steelers dipping into @TheAAF pool. The team is expected to sign center J.C. Hassenauer pending a physical, per source. Hassenauer spent time on Falcons practice squad before playing for Birmingham Iron of Alliance.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 5, 2019

Hassenaur should provide solid depth during offseason workout and camp but is a longshot to make the final roster. B.J. Finney is the team’s primary backup at guard and center. By all accounts, Hassenaur was impressive during his time with the Iron so his addition could earn him a spot on the practice squad and reduce the team’s need to draft offensive line depth.