Ex-Steelers Offensive Lineman Trai Essex Endorsed The Return Of 1 Underrated Player In 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers are working towards the 2026 season putting together a new coaching staff to round out the new regime under head coach Mike McCarthy. The team also will be looking at several different positions to work to improve the 2026 roster and get the McCarthy era in Pittsburgh started off on the right foot. Several different offensive positions remain up in the air in, from quarterback, to wide receiver, and more. However, another position in question is the offensive line. 

One former Steelers o-lineman, Trai Essex, gave an endorsement for a specific player for 2026. Essex noted that Isaac Seumalo should return to Pittsburgh next season under the McCarthy regime. Essex was on the Fan Morning Show on Tuesday and provided his thoughts on Seumalo returning to the Steelers. Seumalo, a 32-year-old veteran, has been a three-year starter for Pittsburgh and started in 44 games in that timespan.

"Absolutely, you bring [Isaac] Seumalo back. He was nicked up quite a few times last year, but there's a distinct difference in how this o-line played, especially in pass protection, especially with what he did with the rotating door that was left tackle last year, playing next to four different left tackles, keeping that stable," Essex said. "I think you absolutely keep him and bring in some more young guys, maybe mid-round draft pick or a free agent. But I think you bring this exact starting five back, how it ended last year and see what they can do in 2026."

Seumalo played on an offensive line that saw several injuries in 2025, himself included. The Steelers also saw tackle Broderick Jones go down with a very serious neck injury, which pathed the way for Dylan Cook to step in during Jones' absence. 

Seumalo battled through a nagging pectoral injury in the 2025 season. He graded out to 74.9 according to Pro Football Focus, which was his highest grade as a Steeler. Seumalo also allowed just 15 pressures, which ended up being a career-low in a full season for him.

Steelers Benefit From Seumalo's Veteran Presence Up Front

The Steelers have clear needs on both sides of the football as they continue to meander through the offseason. Seumalo, however, can be a valuable piece entering 2026 to a group that is somewhat young up front. Cook, who stepped in for Jones, is just 28-years-old and was more than serviceable for the Steelers in Jones' absence in 2025. Another Steelers offensive lineman, guard Mason McCormick, is just 25-years-old. Seumalo's best career year, along with the veteran expertise he provides, are part of what makes this an easy decision for Essex.

The Steelers' offense struggled mightily in their Divisional Round loss to the Houston Texans. The struggles pathed the way for yet another brutal playoff outing for Pittsburgh and a first-round exit. Seumalo gave up five pressures and a sack in that game, but the entire body of work in 2025 should not be overlooked just due to that one game. For a team looking to quickly retool rather than rebuild under McCarthy and earn their first playoff win a nearly a decade, a veteran like Seumalo is a great asset to have surrounded by an otherwise younger group. The Steelers could add to that young group in the NFL Draft in 2026 as well.

The Steelers' key to success will definitely be to up their offensive production in the 2026 season, as they ranked towards the bottom of the league in yards and were in the middle of the league in points scored. The Steelers will benefit from continuing a solid run with Seumalo during his time in Pittsburgh and running it back with him again in 2026. 

Do you think the Steelers should bring back Isaac Seumalo as Trai Essex mentioned? Let us know in the comments below!

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