While watching the offense in recent weeks, it's easy to see why the Pittsburgh Steelers have started to turn a corner. Their young pieces along the trenches are starting to understand the NFL world, and things are falling into place. They are giving Aaron Rodgers enough time to make decisions, and both Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren have enjoyed open rushing lanes up front.
Injuries have hampered the potential of the big guys, with Broderick Jones and Isaac Seumalo being out of the lineup. Jones being out has hovered a storm cloud above the group, but depth tackle Dylan Cook has done a terrific job. It would have been nice to witness Jones grow to end this season, but instead, he will be forced to watch from the sidelines.
Things seem different regarding Seumalo and his future with the Steelers.
He is a pending free agent after this campaign, and the veteran presence in the trenches would be a tough loss. The guard signed with Pittsburgh back in 2023 and has done a fantastic job being a stable force. He has helped bring along a young group up front, and it's something the organization could desperately miss if he leaves. His injury is tough to play with, but you'd better appreciate him now.
Pittsburgh Steelers could lose pending free agent Isaac Seumalo after the season concludes
Retaining the veteran offensive lineman as a free agent could be tricky, but not impossible. He is an expensive player to pay, but with a young group in the trenches, they might be able to afford a two-year extension if Seumalo approves. If not, he could go into free agency knowing that he could receive a massive offer. It could lead to him leaving Pittsburgh, but they can't afford to overpay.
According to Spotrac's contract projection, Seumalo has a market value that should secure him a new three-year deal worth over $28 million.
That would be a hefty payday for the Steelers to accept, but it's not impossible. Spotrac provides a strong analytical tool; however, its projections have been incorrect at times. If Pittsburgh can talk him into a year less on that projection, they might go for it.
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Losing a leader like Seumalo would be a tough problem to overcome. You would need to rely on the young offensive linemen to take over that role, which isn't impossible to imagine. Another difficult part would be locating a replacement for the guard.
The Steelers have invested plenty of quality draft picks in their offensive line recently, and that could continue in the upcoming NFL Draft if they lose their long-time starting left guard.
When it comes to potential replacements for Seumalo, there are some names that come to mind. Free agent and trade choices could be Wyatt Teller, Ethan Pocic, and Jackson Powers-Johnson. An internal solution could be Spencer Anderson, but he has limited starting experience. If Seumalo leaves as a free agent, the Steelers would be best off replacing him with a quality draft pick.