The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to enter free agency as March 11 rapidly approaches, with the NFL’s legal tampering period beginning two days earlier. For Pittsburgh’s new head coach, Mike McCarthy, this will be the next major step in his effort to turn the team back into a Super Bowl contender. The Steelers have not won a playoff game since the 2016 season, and now that Mike Tomlin is no longer at the helm, football fans across the country are curious to see what this new era of Black and Gold will look like.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan with Team President and Owner Art Rooney II during the 2022 offseason.
The organization has several significant decisions to make, but one direction became clear when McCarthy was hired. Team Owner Art Rooney II made it known he has no interest in a rebuild, signaling that the franchise still intends to compete immediately.
Free agency will give Steelers fans their first real glimpse into how this roster will be constructed. The 2026 NFL Draft will also be pivotal, with Pittsburgh currently projected to hold 12 picks, but free agency comes first. McCarthy and General Manager Omar Khan must decide which players to retain and which to let walk.
Steelers insider Gerry Dulac joined the DVE Morning Show on Monday to provide further insight into the team’s plans. During the appearance, he shared a telling detail regarding veteran guard Isaac Seumalo and his future, or potential lack thereof, in Pittsburgh. Dulac also detailed how the Steelers plan to combat the potential void left by Seumalo if he walks in free agency.
"Yeah, we will see what he gets too," Dulac said while speaking on the DVE Morning Show. "They will go sign a veteran in free agency. That is their intention like they did with him. Looking at the free agent market for guards does not seem like it is the greatest. You either have a bunch of old guys or young guys."
The Steelers were thrilled to sign the veteran left guard ahead of the 2023 NFL season, inking him to a three year deal worth $24 million. Now 32 years old, however, it appears his time in the Steel City could be nearing its end, at least according to Dulac.
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Former Packers OL Coach James Campen coaching up his unit during his time in Green Bay on Mike McCarthy's staff.
If Seumalo does depart, Dulac outlined how Pittsburgh plans to address the vacancy on a revamped offensive line that will be led by offensive line coach James Campen in 2026, reuniting him with his former head coach working with McCarthy once again.
"You know Seumalo is not a big ticket, but we will see," Dulac said. "The problem is he has been hurt a lot lately. He has played, but he doesn’t practice a lot because he seems to be hurt a lot… if he leaves, the Steelers' intention is to sign a guard in free agency to replace him."
Now the Steelers fan base will quickly turn its attention to the free agent market to see which left guards could potentially replace Seumalo soon. During his three seasons in Pittsburgh, Seumalo has been a valued veteran presence, with injuries serving as the only real concern.
Steelers' Young Offensive Line Can't Afford To Lose A Veteran
Dulac appears to believe that if the market pulls Seumalo away, Pittsburgh will look to replace him through free agency. There are a few experienced veteran options the organization could pursue, though the team could also target a younger player who fits the timeline of an offensive line that is still developing.
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Steelers guard Isaac Seumalo in a home game during the 2024 NFL season in Pittsburgh.
The key factor to remember is that this unit is already young and growing together. Losing a veteran starter without bringing in another experienced presence would raise legitimate concerns about continuity and leadership up front.
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