Steelers free agent grades: Results are even uglier at the midseason mark

Steelers grade for Isaac Seumalo

Grade: B

The proverbial crown jewel of the Steelers' free agency class, the team once again paid out substantial money for a guard. Isaac Seumalo was viewed as one of the premier offensive linemen in this group, and to see him come over to Pittsburgh was a mild surprise. The hope was that he and James Daniels would help this team accomplish their bully ball dreams.

Things have not been that cut and dry, unfortunately. Seumalo started off the season on a cold streak, as he struggled to play anywhere close to the level he had played at while with the Eagles. The entire line was a mess, and while Seumalo wasn’t the worst offender, it wasn’t great seeing your prized possession struggle like he was.

Since then, Seumalo has progressively gotten better, building on some consistent performances and looking more like the stud that he was a year ago. He still hasn’t been elite, which is what this team envisioned with him and James Daniels leading the way through the interior of this line.

Not a huge blow to him, but it is curious that Kevin Dotson, the player Seumalo replaced, has gone on to be one of the best guards in the league this season. That is far more tied to scheme and coaching, but an interesting point either way.

Because of the lack of elite play overall and the struggles early on, I can’t grade Seumalo that high. He seems to be getting a little better each game though, the guards have been a highlight of this offense as of late. It was a good signing, just not as good as many had hoped for.