The Steelers allowed Isaac Seumalo to leave in free agency, and now they have to find a new starting guard. How they go about doing that remains a matter for debate, though that debate doesn’t concern the organization. Internally, they have the option of promoting Spencer Anderson, a three-year reserve. Ray Fittipaldo doesn’t believe that is good enough, at least not without trying a little harder.
“They’re gonna have to sign somebody” to compete at guard to replace Isaac Seumalo, he said on 93.7 The Fan. “Even if they really like Spencer Anderson, they’re gonna have to get some competition in here for him. Whether it’s a veteran like [Brock Hoffman], or probably a second-, third-, fourth-round pick in the upcoming draft. Some people are speculating guard might be in play now in the first round. You could never close the door on that, but I still think it’s probably a Day 2 or early Day 3 pick after losing Isaac Seumalo”.
Hoffman is a player about whom reports surfaced that the Steelers intended to sign. It’s possible that they still pursue and even sign him, but as of this writing, there is no smoke, let alone fire. Hoffman, who played under Mike McCarthy, has 16 career starts over four seasons. Spencer Anderson, going into Year 4, has six starts along the Steelers offensive line. Technically, he “started” five other games, but as an extra lineman.
The Steelers signed Isaac Seumalo in free agency the same year they drafted Anderson in the seventh round, in 2023. Seumalo for the past three seasons has been the sage veteran of their offensive line, but that room is growing. Anderson is a part of that growth, but is he ready to take the next jump?
There are still some veteran guards available, and some Steelers beat writers believe that is the route they will take to replace Seumalo. Some of the biggest names are off the board, but a player like Wyatt Teller is interesting. Outwardly, the team has given no indication what its intentions are.
Of course, the Steelers don’t have to sign a veteran starter to replace Seumalo and compete with Anderson. They can also draft one. And not only is this a good year for the guard class, Pittsburgh has three third-round picks. While the Steelers have changed coaching staffs, new OL coach James Campen is highly respected and has a track record for getting young linemen ready to play early.
The Steelers drafted five offensive linemen in 2023 and 2024, combined, in addition to signing Isaac Seumalo. Spencer Anderson is the one draft pick not in the starting lineup, but he could be soon. Even if they do sign a veteran or draft a rookie, he’ll be in the mix to compete, most likely. Barring a major name like Teller, who wouldn’t bother signing anywhere to compete, this figures to be a competition.
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