The Pittsburgh Steelers’ focus has been on DK Metcalf, Aaron Rodgers, Jalen Ramsey, T.J. Watt, and several other contract negotiations and moving parts this offseason, but The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo made sure to point out that starting guard Isaac Seumalo needs a contract extension, too, during an offensive roster breakdown ahead of training camp.
“Will his experience and physicality show up more often now that he’s surrounded by better pieces up front?” DeFabo pondered while discussing Seumalo. “At 32 and in the final year of his deal, how much longer will he be part of an offensive line in transition? Is he another candidate for an extension, or will he be moving on next year?”
As usual, the lone veteran member of the Steelers’ starting offensive line is flying way under the radar as he enters a potential walk year in 2025. And this upcoming contract situation creates yet another big decision for general manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin.
Do they offer the $24 million guard a contract extension before 2026? Or do they let this year play out and risk losing Seumalo in free agency next offseason?
Steelers Guard Isaac Seumalo Is Coming off Another Solid Season Despite Early Injury
Seumalo missed the first four weeks of the year in 2024 after a late August pectoral injury. But he rebounded pretty well once he got himself healthy again.
According to Pro Football Focus, Seumalo was charged with 2 sacks last season. The first came during his 2024 debut in Week 5, and then after that, he was able to keep a clean sheet all the way up until Week 18, when he allowed sack number two.
Technically, this was a slight step backward for the typically elite pass protector.
From 2021 through 2023, Seumalo was only charged with 1 sack. Although he wasn’t a full-time starter in 2021.
Still, 1 sack in two seasons as a starter is impressive, and to show just how consistent of a pass protector he’s been, Seumalo’s 2024 pass blocking grade (62.7) was actually his worst since 2018.
Despite those minor hiccups, Seumalo’s pass-blocking efficiency ranked higher than starting offensive tackles Broderick Jones and Dan Moore Jr., but also lower than center Zach Frazier and fellow guard Mason McCormick. So, the veteran was smack dab in the middle of the Steelers’ starting five in this area.
As a run blocker, Seumalo’s grade was slightly better at a 69.2, and he was charged with 6 penalties overall.
In other words, Seumalo definitely wasn’t a major issue after working his way back from injury. But at the same time, one could argue that he’s no longer worth a $10-plus million cap hit.
How Much Would It Cost to Extend Seumalo?
As always, in the case of Seumalo, whether or not the Steelers choose to extend him will likely come down to his asking price.
If the interior blocker is willing to take a slight pay cut to remain in Pittsburgh for another couple of seasons, entering his age-33 campaign in 2026, perhaps the Steelers see him as a nice bridge to their next draft pick.
But if he wants to cash in on one more larger contract with an average annual salary up around $8 million (his current AAV), it might make more sense for Pittsburgh to move on.
Much of this decision could hinge on how Seumalo looks in 2025, too, considering his age. For that reason, it doesn’t necessarily make sense for the Steelers to offer him a contract extension prior to Week 1.
Pittsburgh is in the midst of a one-year gamble on Rodgers, and with all the various veterans on this roster, a lot could change in 2026 if things go south. Needless to say, that potential clean slate could include Seumalo, let’s say the Steelers elect to rebuild and tear it all down next offseason.
