Steelers may have to adjust their remaining free agency plans after suffering a loss you could see coming from a mile away
The Steelers may have to make a move they didn’t want to after the latest departure.
The Pittsburgh Steelers had a huge Monday to kick off the negotiating window for 2026 NFL free agency. After trading for Michael Pittman, the team made two notable agreements with Jamel Dean to be their CB No.2 and Rico Dowdle to replace what the team will lose in Kenny Gainwell.
But Gainwell wasn’t the only loss the Steelers incurred. Alongside James Pierre, another starter has departed Pittsburgh, and it could force the Steelers to shift their priorities for the rest of free agency, and potentially the NFL Draft.
Isaac Seumalo leaves the Steelers for Arizona Cardinals
The loss is not an entirely unexpceted. Seumalo was never mentioned among potential extensions last offseason or even recently. The Steelers also were very unlikely to meet his demands of $10 million in terms of average annual salary.
Seumalo was argubly the best player on the offensive line in 2023 and 2024. That changed quickly last season. Some of that is due to the growth and development of young players like Zach Frazier and Troy Fautanu, but a lot of it comes down to regression from Seumalo.
The wear and tear started to show it’s face in games for the first time in his Steelers career in 2025. He was on his back more than ever before, and the lack of practice time and veteran days off continued to show face.
Even still, were talking about the loss of a solid starter. That may force the Steelers to recalibrate their offseason plans or look inward.
Steelers can attack left guard in free agency, the draft, or go with Spencer Anderson
If the Steelers go the free agent route, the most probable name would be Elgton Jenkins. He most recently played center for the Green Bay Packers, and he could slot in at guard. If they went the draft route, the Steelers could target Vega Ioane. But there is also Spencer Anderson, who started in place of Seumalo for a few games in 2025 and was a catalyst behind the Steelers jumbo personnel package.
So Pittsburgh has options, and I wouldn’t be surprised at any route they took.
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