The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offseason has been eerily quiet so far, with a slew of pending free agents hanging in the balance as of March 6th. Not a single re-signing or tender has been announced, leaving fans on edge as the legal tampering period looms. With ample cap space and resources at their disposal, General Manager Omar Khan is poised for a flurry of activity—but one key veteran appears to be out of the picture for good.
In a revealing interview on 93.7 The Fan, insider Mark Kaboly dropped a bombshell about offensive guard Isaac Seumalo, signaling that the Steelers are ready to cut ties. “I don’t think it’s [Isaac Seumalo]’s choice; I think it’s the Steelers’ choice on that one,” Kaboly stated bluntly. “I think they believe he’s on the brink of falling apart, yes. He didn’t practice a lot.”
Once a cornerstone of the Steelers’ offensive line, the 33-year-old Seumalo has been a quiet force when healthy—arguably one of the NFL’s top guards and a steady mentor for the team’s young talent. His name has surfaced in league-wide rumors, drawing interest from teams hungry for a proven lineman to anchor their fronts. But Pittsburgh’s front office seems convinced that his body is teetering on the edge of a catastrophic breakdown, making him too risky to retain.
The red flags are hard to ignore. Seumalo has missed seven games over the past two seasons, plagued by nagging injuries that forced him out early in multiple 2025 contests. “When he’s healthy” has become the caveat that defines his tenure, highlighting the uncertainty that comes with relying on him week in and week out. In the brutal trenches of the NFL, where offensive linemen endure relentless punishment, Seumalo’s decade-long career is a testament to his toughness—but the Steelers fear the “worst-case scenario” of a complete physical collapse that could derail their line mid-season.
Other teams will weigh the gamble: Is Seumalo’s upside—elite protection and veteran leadership—worth the potential disaster? A major injury or constant in-game exits could leave a backup scrambling, disrupting an offense’s rhythm. For Pittsburgh, that risk is apparently no longer tolerable, paving the way for an official parting of ways as free agency beckons.
Steelers Have Quality Internal Options To Replace Seumalo
Fortunately for the Steelers, they’re not left scrambling. Versatile lineman Spencer Anderson has stepped up admirably in Seumalo’s absences, logging significant snaps and holding his own. Now entering a contract year, Anderson could seize the starting left guard role, giving the team a low-cost audition for his long-term fit. Expect Khan to bring in a veteran competitor, but Anderson’s emergence offers a seamless transition.
Another intriguing option? Shifting offensive tackle Broderick Jones inside to guard, especially if he bounces back strong from his neck injury. Also in a contract year, Jones represents Khan’s first major draft investment, and a position tweak could mask his vulnerabilities while maximizing his strengths. It’s a strategic move to salvage and spotlight a promising talent.
As the Steelers pivot from Seumalo, their focus sharpens on building a resilient, youth-infused line. With free agency heating up, expect bold moves to fill the void—but one thing’s clear: Seumalo’s era in the Steel City is officially over, driven by fears of an impending collapse that no team wants to witness.
