Steelers Likely Made A Huge Mistake By Letting This Veteran Free Agent Walk For Cheap

The Pittsburgh Steelers were in the thick of the free agency frenzy as soon as the floodgates opened. General Manager Omar Khan and Co. went more aggressive than they usually do, acquiring top-tier talent at positions of need. However, as of now, the Steelers have ignored the glaring hole on their offensive line at left guard. They have yet to do anything to add a guard, whether that be in free agency, or a trade. Their starter from last season departed, and it could prove to be a mistake. 

The Steelers missed out on re-signing their starting left guard of 2025, Isaac Seumalo. Seumalo ultimately decided to sign with the Arizona Cardinals as part of their rebuild. However, money talks. It's unclear if the Steelers didn't offer him enough or if he was ready to move on, but not re-signing him could be a huge mistake. Seumalo was a Steeler for three seasons and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2024. He served as a force on the left side of the line and often picked up the slack of young Steelers linemen as they continued to develop. 

Seumalo's deal with Arizona came a lot cheaper than many were expecting, especially for a player of his caliber. ESPN's Seth Walder graded the signing an "A" and was impressed with his contract.

"The Cardinals signed a win-rate star at a value price," Walder wrote. "Ultimately, it's hard to ignore the consistently strong metrics, and the deal is exceptional. This entire free agent guard class has been much more reasonably priced than last year's group, and even still, Seumalo's $10.5 million per year is coming in far better than Zion Johnson, David Edwards, or Alijah Vera-Tucker. The Cardinals have plenty of cap room, and this is an efficient use of it," Walder wrote. 

It's easy to say that Seumalo's injury history is why he received less money or why the Steelers didn't want him back. But in his 2024 Pro Bowl season, he missed some time. When he is on the field, he proves to be a difference maker. The Steelers not getting him back for this cheap is an issue, considering the other guards mentioned are arguably not as good as him, and their market value was significantly higher. 

There has been speculation that the Steelers may draft a guard, but even if they were to do so, a veteran guard would need to start there, at least at first. The Steelers doing nothing in that department is something that fans should pay attention to, especially with the draft around the corner. Seumalo would've been a fine re-signing on a short-term deal, like what he got with Arizona. Seumalo's cap hit for the Cardinals is just under $7 million. Pittsburgh could've easily offered him a deal where he made similar money. 

This lack of a left guard leads many to believe versatile offensive lineman Spencer Anderson may have a shot to start there. While there has been no news on that, Anderson could be an option there. He has little starting experience and has primarily played a "position-less" role, but he could find a home on the left side of the line in 2026. 

The Steelers' Inactivity In The Guard Market Signals Big NFL Draft Move

The Steelers own 12 draft picks in this year's draft and sit at pick 21 in the first round. The Black and Gold have been speculated to have interest in Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane with their first-round pick. If they're serious about him, this could be a reason why they didn't go guard in free agency. Ioane is one of the best guard talents in the draft and has a chance at being available where the Steelers stand. 

The Steelers could be confident in starting Anderson and drafting someone like Ioane with pick 21. Either way, the Steelers had the opportunity to lock up guard cheaply with Seumalo and could've used their picks for other positions of need. This might come back to haunt them if their guard situation fails in the upcoming season. 

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