Steelers Facing Key Decision on Veteran Guard Isaac Seumalo as Free Agency Looms
The Pittsburgh Steelers have spent the last few years methodically reshaping their offensive line, investing premium draft capital and building toward a younger, more athletic unit. But that evolution could take another step this offseason - and it might come at the cost of one of their most experienced and dependable veterans.
Starting left guard Isaac Seumalo, a Pro Bowler in 2024 and a rock-solid presence since arriving in Pittsburgh in 2023, is set to hit free agency when his three-year, $24 million deal expires after the 2025 season. At 32, Seumalo is still playing at a high level - Pro Football Focus graded him as the 16th-best guard in the league - but the question now is whether the Steelers will prioritize retaining him or continue leaning into their youth movement up front.
There’s already buzz around Seumalo potentially landing elsewhere. One scenario being floated has him reuniting with familiar coaching faces in New England, where the Patriots could be in the market for a steady veteran presence on the interior line. With coaching changes in Pittsburgh - Mike Tomlin stepping away from football and Arthur Smith heading to the college ranks - it’s fair to wonder if the organizational shift will also bring changes to the roster’s veteran core.
Seumalo’s value isn’t just in his play - it’s in his leadership and consistency. Since being drafted in the third round back in 2016 by the Eagles, the Hawaii native has built a reputation as a technician with a high football IQ and the versatility to anchor an offensive front.
His time in Pittsburgh has only solidified that image. But with the Steelers’ front office clearly focused on the future, his return is anything but guaranteed.
Just look at the investment Pittsburgh has made in the trenches recently. Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu - both first-round picks - are the bookends at tackle.
Zach Frazier, a second-rounder, is expected to be the long-term answer at center. And Mason McCormick, taken in the fourth round, is already pushing for more reps at right guard.
The foundation is young, athletic, and built to grow together.
Then there’s Spencer Anderson, a versatile backup who has already stepped in for Seumalo during injury stretches and held his own. The coaching staff has been high on Anderson’s development, and if the Steelers believe he’s ready for a full-time role, that could be the final nudge toward letting Seumalo walk.
This is the kind of offseason decision that quietly shapes a roster. Seumalo may not be a headline-grabber, but his departure would leave a leadership and experience void in a young offensive line room. Whether Pittsburgh decides to bring him back for another run or turns the page to its next generation will be one of the more telling moves of the offseason.
For now, Seumalo remains a free agent-to-watch - a veteran guard with Pro Bowl credentials, a proven track record, and a market that’s always hungry for offensive line help. The Steelers have a decision to make, and it’s one that could signal just how committed they are to the youth movement in the trenches.