In an offseason filled with a flurry of moves by GM Omar Khan and assistant GM Andy Weidl, one stands about the rest for the Pittsburgh Steelers as the “smartest,” at least according to Bleacher Report’s Christopher Knox.
That move? The signing of guard Isaac Seumalo to a three-year, $24 million deal to shore up the offensive line even further in the Steel City.
“Last season, Seumolo allowed only one sack and was called for six penalties, according to Pro Football Focus. He’ll replace left guard Kevin Dotson, who was responsible for four sacks allowed and 12 penalties last year, according to PFF,” Knox writes regarding the signing of Seumalo by the Steelers.
“Adding Seumalo will help protect quarterback Kenny Pickett, who is looking to make positive strides in his second NFL season. As a very capable run blocker, Seumalo should also help spark a ground game that ranked only 25th in yards per carry (4.1) last season. With an improved line and a stronger running game, Pickett will have an opportunity to make a big second-year leap in 2023. Considering the Steelers are coming off a 9-8 season and already had a defense that ranked 10th in points allowed, that should be scary for the rest of the AFC North.”
Getting a guy of Seumalo’s caliber at such an affordable price was rather impressive for Khan and provides a serious upgrade on the left side of the offensive line between left tackle Dan Moore Jr. and center Mason Cole at left guard.
While Seumalo played right guard last season for the Philadelphia Eagles and was an essential part of Philadelphia’s offensive attack on a run to the Super Bowl, Seumalo has more than 2,000 career snaps at left guard. That makes him a seamless fit at the position in the Steel City.
The Steelers certainly got better with the signing of Seumalo. He is exactly the type of player this team needed up front. He’s a big, physical offensive lineman that brings some nastiness to the run game, something the Steelers really needed inside as Cole and James Daniels — while good players in their own right — don’t really bring that to the table.
How well that translates to success in 2023 is anyone’s guess. But based on Seumalo’s career to date, he’s going to be a steady starter that will be impactful in the run game and will keep the depth of the pocket clean as Pickett looks to take the next step.
Overall, it was a smart move for the Steelers.
