Steelers' Mike McCarthy has big problem after NFL free agency news
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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy.
There was always going to be roster turnover for the Pittsburgh Steelers this NFL free agency period, considering the news that long-time head coach Mike Tomlin would be stepping down.
Still, some departures hurt more than others, and the Steelers suffered a concerning loss on the evening of March 9.
“The Arizona Cardinals are signing free agent guard Isaac Seumalo, per me and
@MikeGarafolo,” NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport relayed on X. He added contract terms of three years, $31.5 million for the former stalwart of the Pittsburgh offensive line.
Granted, it’s fair to say Seumalo has been less reliable in recent years. The veteran blocker failed to reach the 1,000-snap mark in each of the past two seasons.
In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, Seumalo fell short of 900 offensive snaps in 2024 and 2025.
Having said that, statistically speaking, Seumalo was still one of the Steelers’ best offensive linemen when healthy. He earned positive grades in both the run game and pass protection last season, allowing just 20 quarterback pressures (4 sacks).
Seumalo was also charged with zero penalty flags in 2025, an accomplishment for any O-lineman.
Steelers Have Big Questions on the Left Side of the Offensive Line After the Isaac Seumalo News
Steelers lose Isaac Seumalo in NFL free agency news
GettyFormer Pittsburgh Steelers left guard Isaac Seumalo blocking for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
We’re only one day into NFL free agency, so there’s still plenty of time to correct this, but the Steelers’ left side of the offensive line is shaping up to be a major concern as of March 9.
Seumalo is gone, which means a backup like Spencer Anderson would be the next man up at left guard. Then there’s left tackle Broderick Jones, who’s dealing with a long-term neck injury that could impact his 2026 status.
“Fusion surgery in Jones’ neck could be a major curveball that changes plans in the short and long term,” The Athletic’s Steelers beat reporter Mike DeFabo noted candidly on March 2.
“By May 1, the Steelers have to decide if they’re picking up Jones’ fifth-year option, which comes with a $19.07 million price tag in 2027,” DeFabo explained. “The injury will likely affect that decision. But, honestly, that may be looking too far ahead. [Steelers GM Omar] Khan balked when asked publicly if Jones will be healthy in time for training camp. Forget 2027, this could be something that impacts plans for 2026.”
With Jones’ health up in the air and Seumalo headed to Arizona, the Steelers now have a massively important hole to fill on their quarterback’s blindside.
Steelers’ Quarterback Plans Are No Clearer as NFL Free Agency Begins
Steelers fans were likely hoping for a quarterback decision by the start of NFL free agency. Heck, Khan and new head coach Mike McCarthy probably wanted one, too.
Alas, future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers marches to the beat of his own drum. And the 42-year-old appears no closer to deciding on his 2026 status and retirement plans.
That factors into this offensive line issue as well.
Rodgers has a knack for getting the ball out quickly, but if he were to retire, the Steelers’ backup plan could be a much younger signal-caller. And said quarterback may not do so well behind a makeshift offensive line.
The quarterback’s blindside is typically the most vulnerable to pass rushers. That’s what makes the left tackle position so important.
Whether it’s Rodgers or someone else under center in 2026, the Steelers must shore up the left-hand side of their blocking unit.