Why Isaac Seumalo Is The Best Free Agency Pickup For The Steelers In 2023

Pittsburgh Steelers fans, meet your new starting left guard, Isaac Seumalo. Omar Khan has struck gold once again. After an especially busy week of free agent signings, many thought the Steelers would be done in their pursuit of starting-caliber players. Omar Khan had different plans as the news of Seumalo signing with the Steelers on a three-year deal broke late Saturday night. 

While the additions of players such as Patrick Peterson, Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts will play off tremendously for the team in 2023, Seumalo has the opportunity to make the most impactful addition out of anyone. He has the ability to solidify the Steelers' offensive line as one of the best in the entire league and allow for ascending start quarterback, Kenny Pickett to shine. 

How The Isaac Seumalo Signing Impacts The Offense

Although the exact details of Seumalo's deal have yet to be released, it is fair to assume he will be a starter in 2023 for the Steelers, presumably at left guard. He is coming off of an immensely impressive 2022 season where he started all 20 games (including playoffs) for the Philadelphia Eagles and recorded an overall PFF, grade of 75.2. The highest-rated offensive lineman in Pittsburgh this last season was center, Mason Cole, who recorded a 67.1 grade. Needless to say, Seumalo immediately improves the overall level of play at the left guard position. 

Since Omar Khan has taken over as General Manager in 2021, he has made it a point of emphasis to add big, physical offensive linemen to help improve the run game for the Steelers and allow for superstar running back, Najee Harris, to make home-run hitting plays for the team. While it took some time for the offensive line group to mesh in 2022, they eventually became one of the most effective positional groups on the entire team. 

Over the last nine games during the 2022 season, Najee Harris ran for 671 yards, compared to only 361 yards during the first eight games. This dramatic increase in productivity is a testament to the improved play of the big guys up front. Seumalo, with his high motor and physical style of play, will help the group progress even more. He truly does have the ability to change the entire trajectory of the Steelers' offense in 2022. 

How Good Can The Steelers Offense Be In 2023? 

Any football fan knows an offense is only as good as their offensive line. For the Steelers, if the improved offensive line play in 2022 and the addition of Isaac Seumalo and Nate Herbig are any indications of the level of play for the offensive line, the Steelers can be great in 2023. Great, not good. The team has playmakers at every position group and a young quarterback who is committed to taking the offense to levels it has not been in years. Having a full offseason with Kenny Pickett as the unquestioned starter will work wonders for his connection with pass catchers such as Diontae Johnson, George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth.   

Furthermore, the team still has the ability to draft a high-quality offensive tackle in the 2023 NFL Draft. Two names to keep an eye on are Ohio State's Paris Johnson Jr. and fellow Buckeye teammate, Dawand Jones. If the Steelers can find their long-term blindside protector for Pickett in the draft, there is no telling how great the offensive line can be. Dan Moore was the left tackle for every game for the Steelers in 2022. He played well last season but did do enough to make himself a no-doubt starter for the Steelers in 2023. 

One thing is for sure, both Omar Khan and Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl have done a spectacular job in reshaping the offensive line. With Mason Cole and James Daniels joining in 2022 and Isaac Seumalo and Nate Herbig in 2023, the Steelers have solidified their interior offensive line for the foreseeable future. Well done, Khan and Weidl. Their aggressive nature in free agency is bringing the black and gold one step closer to capturing the elusive seventh Lombardi Trophy for the Steelers. 

Alright, Steeler Nation, how do we feel about the big-time signing of Seumalo? Were you surprised by the signing? What does this signing mean for Kevin Dotson and Nate Herbig? Let us know in the comments! 

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