The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a very active 2025 offseason, as they seem to finally realize that doing the same things over and over again does not work. However, it seems apparent that the fate of the team rests in the trenches. If the offensive and/or defensive line get bullied like they did at the end of the 2024 season, all of the key moves will have been made for nothing. There is another infusion of youth coming into both sides of the line to help improve the whole team and finally get over the dreaded playoff hump.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense getting ready for a play against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2024 Wild Card round.
The infusion of youth during the 2024 season was helpful, as the interior offensive line pulled its weight. That started with Zach Frazier, who got thrown into the starting role after Nate Herbig suffered a season-ending injury during training camp. His offensive line coach, Pat Meyer, raved about his anchor in the middle of the unit, as reported by Chris Adamski of TribLive.
"I thought Zach played well (last season) for a first-year guy,” Meyer said. “He got thrown right in there and had to make all the calls, the adjustments up front. He had help from Isaac [Seumalo] and (since departed veteran guard James Daniels) early on in some of that. But he’s got to just continue to learn, continue to become a vocal leader."
Frazier had a great rookie season, as he started 15 games in the regular season and helped keep the interior offensive line together. That's not the best he can do, as he still has a lot to learn and do before becoming a truly elite player. Meyer explained what his center needs to do to reach that level.
"He’s a really good leader (but needs to) just become a little bit more vocal in doing some things like that," Meyer explained. "But he’s a football guy. He loves ball and loves the game. He’s going to do anything to win, and that’s the type of guys that we want."
It doesn't matter if you're new to the unit or not; you have to be vocal to have the best chance of helping your team out with adjustments, especially when you're right in the middle of everything. As Meyer mentioned, Frazier did have the help of veteran guard Isaac Seumalo, and he will have him around again for the 2025 season, but soon, he will have to learn to make calls on his own.
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Steelers' Zach Frazier during the National Anthem ahead of a game in Las Vegas, Nevada.
After the amazing rookie season he had, it's safe to say that he will be able to learn how to be the vocal leader that the team needs him to be. The Steelers hope that it happens sooner rather than later, as they haven't had any sort of consistency at the position since Maurkice Pouncey retired. It took man years to find his heir, but Frazier is now the franchise center that the team has desperately needed.
Steelers Will Rely On Frazier For Years To Come
Seumalo has one year left on his contract. If the Steelers don't bring him back, then all five projected starting offensive linemen could be on their rookie contracts in 2026. With all that youth, someone has to be the alpha in the room and step up. Frazier would be the best player to fit that role as the proverbial position group captain. He's not the most experienced, but he has performed the best so far.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Zach Frazier spikes the football after his offense scores a touchdown against the Commanders.
Broderick Jones would be the longest-tenured player at the time, since he was a first-round pick in 2023, but he is on the brink of being replaced. He has to prove that he can thrive in his first full season at left tackle before trying to step up in a leadership role. Spencer Anderson was also drafted in 2023, but his role is as a utility backup offensive lineman, as opposed to a full-time starter.
Frazier has a lot of pressure on his shoulders in 2025. Not only does he need to improve on a great rookie season, but the whole offense will be counting on him to be a vocal leader. He won't have Seumalo around to help him forever. Soon, he will have a young quarterback trying to learn the offense while taking snaps from him. His leadership can and will impact the development of those around him now and in the future.
What do you think about Meyer being critical of Frazier's ability to be vocal? How well do you think he will improve in that regard? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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