The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't have many key players hitting free agency this offseason, but the most notable one (aside from quarterback Aaron Rodgers) just found a new home.
The Arizona Cardinals agreed to a deal with former Steelers guard Isaac Seumalo late Monday night. The deal is a three-year, $31.5 million contract, a sizable increase from the three-year, $24 million deal the Steelers signed him to back in 2023.
With Seumalo seemingly out the door, general manager Omar Khan now must find a quality starter to fill the void left behind. With several of the top interior offensive linemen already agreeing to deals, it seems like the 2026 NFL draft could be his best avenue to find Seulmalo's replacement. Considering the modest price it took the Cardinals to bring him in, however, Khan may regret not bringing him back.
The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line could see a down turn in 2026 without Isaac Seumalo
The Steelers have preached the idea that they want to compete in 2026 all offseason. Many of their moves so far have reflected that, with the trade for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and the signing of cornerback Jamel Dean objectively improving two of their biggest weaknesses.
Not trying to retain Seumalo, however, is strange considering the reasonable contract he agreed to with Arizona. The Steelers' offensive line was firmly an above-average unit last season, and Seumalo's veteran presence surely helped the otherwise inexperienced group around him.
His age (32) and string of soft tissue injuries over the past two years are certainly a concern, but keeping him around while drafting his successor would have been a savvy move by the Pittsburgh front office.
If he had gotten closer to the $14-15 million a year range, then it would be safe to say that it would be an overpay for an aging guard. But his new deal is essentially the same one he signed in 2023 when adjusting for the rise in the salary cap. For a team that loves stability, banking on a potential rookie (or lesser veteran pickup) is not what I expected.
Maybe Khan has a particular prospect in mind to fill his role, or even a potential trade may be in the works. If not, though, this could be a decision that haunts the Steelers in 2026.