Raiders Linked to Bold Offensive Line Move Under New Head Coach

As the Raiders begin a crucial rebuild in the trenches, one seasoned lineman could be the key to unlocking Klint Kubiaks offensive vision.

As the Las Vegas Raiders gear up for another rebuild-this time under new head coach Klint Kubiak-the blueprint for revitalizing the offense starts in the trenches. The offensive line was a revolving door last season, plagued by injuries, questionable personnel decisions, and inconsistent play.

The result? An offense that struggled to find its rhythm week after week.

But now, with Kubiak taking over, there’s a clear opportunity to reset. While his offensive line in Seattle wasn’t exactly dominant on paper, they turned it on when it mattered most-protecting Sam Darnold and paving the way for a run game that helped fuel a Super Bowl run.

That kind of turnaround doesn’t happen by accident. It’s about putting players in the right roles and building cohesion up front.

That’s exactly what Kubiak and his staff will look to replicate in Vegas.

Looking ahead, the Raiders have a few foundational pieces already in place. Left tackle Kolton Miller remains a stalwart on the blind side, and Jackson Powers-Johnson-whether he lines up at center or guard-figures to be a cornerstone of this retooled unit.

Dylan Parham, a pending free agent, could also return to the fold if re-signed. All three offer a starting-caliber baseline, but it’s clear the Raiders need more stability and talent across the interior.

That’s where Pittsburgh Steelers guard Isaac Seumalo comes into the picture.

According to Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus, Las Vegas is the top landing spot for Seumalo in 2026 free agency. Raider Nation may have its own wish list, but there’s a compelling case for why Seumalo fits this offense like a glove.

Let’s start with the scheme. Kubiak, a disciple of the Shanahan tree, values a diverse and creative run game.

That means mixing zone and gap concepts, leaning on play-action, and demanding versatility from his offensive linemen. Seumalo checks all those boxes.

Over the last three seasons in Pittsburgh, he’s been one of the most effective run blockers in the league-ranking in the 82nd percentile in gap schemes and 92nd percentile in zone. That kind of balance is rare, and it’s exactly what Kubiak’s offense requires.

But Seumalo’s impact doesn’t stop there. He’s also one of the best in the league at selling the run without compromising pass protection.

His play-action pass-blocking grade (87.8) ranks fourth among guards over the past three seasons. That’s elite territory.

In an offense that’s likely to lean on misdirection and play-action to support a potential rookie quarterback, having a veteran like Seumalo who can hold up in those situations is invaluable.

There are also some behind-the-scenes connections that could help this move materialize. Raiders front office executives Brandon Hunt and Anthony Patch both spent time in Philadelphia during Seumalo’s tenure with the Eagles. That kind of familiarity matters-it gives GM John Spytek access to firsthand insight that goes beyond the film.

Positionally, the fit makes even more sense. Seumalo has primarily played left guard throughout his career, but he has experience on the right side as well, starting a full season at right guard for the Eagles back in 2022.

With Powers-Johnson likely shifting to center-his most natural position-the right guard spot is open. If Parham returns, the Raiders could slide him back to right guard, where he thrived in 2024 with a top-20 PFF grade.

Last year, the previous staff moved him to left guard, and the results were predictably underwhelming.

Seumalo, meanwhile, brings not only skill but pedigree. He developed under Jeff Stoutland, widely regarded as one of the best offensive line coaches in the NFL. That kind of background tends to translate well, especially in a system that demands high football IQ and adaptability.

And here’s the kicker: Seumalo won’t break the bank. At a projected market value of $9.6 million per year, he’s a relative bargain for a team with money to spend and a glaring need on the interior. For a franchise trying to build a sustainable offensive identity, adding a veteran like Seumalo could be a foundational move-not just for next season, but for the culture Kubiak is trying to establish.

Bottom line: If the Raiders want to give Ashton Jeanty room to run and set up their next quarterback-rookie or otherwise-for success, it starts with building a line that can protect and punish. Isaac Seumalo fits that vision.