Insider Reveals Steelers Still Trying To Land Another Starter At Key Position

The Pittsburgh Steelers got super busy as the first day of the NFL legal tampering period kicked off. The new league year officially begins Wednesday, but the legal tampering window gives teams an opportunity to line up deals before contracts can become official. Pittsburgh wasted no time taking advantage. The Steelers immediately improved their roster at key positions, starting with an agreement with running back Rico Dowdle. They also addressed a major need in the wide receiver room by trading for Michael Pittman Jr., giving the offense another reliable target heading into the 2026 season.

Pittsburgh did lose a few players during the opening wave of free agency, including running back Kenneth Gainwell. However, the addition of Dowdle will quickly soften that blow. The Steelers now project to feature a dangerous rushing duo with Jaylen Warren and Dowdle, a combination that could make the ground attack one of the more productive units in the league.

Up front, the offensive line is expected to take another significant step forward under new offensive line coach James Campen. But the group will be moving forward without its most experienced lineman from the 2025 season. Veteran guard Isaac Seumalo left in free agency to sign a three-year, $31.5 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals, leaving a major hole at left guard. 

Now the Steelers must find a replacement. On Monday night, Steelers insider Gerry Dulac revealed where General Manager Omar Khan will turn next during the 2026 free agency period. According to Dulac, Steelers fans should expect Pittsburgh’s next move to focus on replacing Seumalo and strengthening the offensive line once again.

"The Steelers' next move in free agency is expected to be a starting veteran guard to replace Isaac Seumalo," Dulac said.

As far as options to replace Seumalo, the market actually has several intriguing ones. Just on Monday, the Green Bay Packers may have helped the Steelers in a big way. In an effort to free up a significant amount of cap space, Green Bay made the surprising decision to part ways with two-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins.

Jenkins immediately becomes one of the most appealing veteran options available. The biggest advantage for Pittsburgh is that signing him would not affect their compensatory pick formula. Because Jenkins was released rather than signing elsewhere as an unrestricted free agent, the Steelers would not have to sacrifice any of the comp picks they are expected to receive from players leaving in free agency. That detail could give Pittsburgh a real edge as they evaluate the offensive line market.

For Khan and Head Coach Mike McCarthy, Jenkins checks several boxes. He brings Pro Bowl experience, positional versatility, and has proven he can handle both guard spots as well as tackle if needed. That flexibility could be extremely valuable for a Steelers offensive line that is still developing and looking to take another step forward.

Steelers Have Names To Watch At Guard

Beyond Jenkins, there are other veteran guards still available who could make sense for Pittsburgh, but few bring the same combination of age, experience, and upside. If the Steelers want a plug-and-play replacement for Seumalo who can stabilize the interior immediately, Jenkins may quickly rise to the top of their list. 

Here are some other names that Steelers fans should keep an eye on as potential replacements for Seumalo: Joel Bitonio, Kevin Zeitler, Wyatt Teller, Dylan Parham, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Chris Paul, Greg Van Roten, and Daniel Faalele. Steeler Nation will watch closely as they see which player Khan and McCarthy target to join their starting five on the line.

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