Steelers' Offensive Line Has 1 Goal As Group Must "Grow Up In A Hurry"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are obviously going to be a very different team in 2026 as the coaching staff has changed and there has been some considerable turnover on the roster. Some important additions have been made to the offensive side of the ball, but the spot on the depth chart that is going to see the most changes is the offensive line. Three starters from the 2025 season are returning, but there is a chance that only one position from the 2025 season is going to go unchanged throughout the group of five starters. Zach Frazier at center is currently the only thing that remains the same on the offensive line from 2025.

As of the first few practices of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), the Steelers have put Frazier at center, Mason McCormick at left guard, and Troy Fautanu at left tackle. Those are the three starters returning from 2025, but McCormick and Fautanu seem to be preparing to switch sides of the offensive line. They are more comfortable on the left side, so that is where they will play. As of right now it is Spencer Anderson at right guard while Dylan Cook has been the right tackle, but that can change as there are rookies behind both players at both positions.

One major departure from the offensive line in 2025 is Isaac Seumalo, who signed with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. He had been with the Steelers for three seasons and was the clear leader on the offensive line, and now the group needs someone else to take on that role. This was acknowledged by Missi Matthews and Mike Prisuta during a recap of the team's first sessions of OTAs.

"No more Isaac Seumalo," Prisuta said. "Isaac Seumalo no longer being that veteran rock. He was such a leader. Those guys lined up behind him like baby ducks behind their mother. Fautanu said, 'Oh well, it's time to grow up in a hurry.' Himself, Frazier, McCormick, they're not exactly veterans, but they've been starting and playing here and they are going to presumably be here for the foreseeable future, so why shouldn't they lead now?"

Seumalo is certainly a big departure for Pittsburgh. He was a great player, and he also had a voice in the locker room and with the rest of the offensive line. The group is young overall, and the next true leader is going to have to come from the group of Frazier, McCormick, and Fautanu, who were all drafted in 2024.

Any of the three names mentioned by Prisuta would be willing to step up. Frazier seems to be on the quieter side and he seems to be the kind of player that would prefer to lead by example, while Fautanu might be the more vocal leader that the unit might need. That would make sense considering he was the first-round pick out of the bunch. All three players have been tremendous for Pittsburgh ever since being selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, and the success of those three probably played a role in the organization feeling comfortable enough to let Seumalo walk in free agency.

Steelers Have Great Leaders On The Coaching Staff

One of the moves on the coaching staff that was praised during the 2026 offseason was the hiring of Jahri Evans as the team's assistant offensive line coach. He retired following the 2017 season, so in the grand scheme of things, he is not too far removed from his playing career. He has been a leader for the guys on the roster, and he is well respected as he started 180 games during his career. 

He also always played at a high level as he was an All-Pro five times, so he has every player's respect.

What do you think about the Steelers needing a new leader on the offensive line? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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