The Pittsburgh Steelers are having quite the hectic offseason in 2026. With a new head coach for the first time in nearly 20 years in Pittsburgh, General Manager Omar Khan will be busy deep into the spring. Several positions of need have been mentioned in Pittsburgh for its roster ahead of 2026. Wide receiver and running back have been mentioned as some of those positions, especially if Kenneth Gainwell does not return to Pittsburgh in 2026. However, Pro Football Focus (PFF) has one player listed that the Steelers may have a positional need for if guard Isaac Seumalo does re-sign.
Associated Press
Steelers Guard Isaac Seumalo in a home game during the 2024 NFL season.
It was mentioned by former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex that he would like to see Seumalo return to Pittsburgh in 2026. However, the Steelers should be thinking ahead in case an agreement for him to come back to the Steel City in 2026 cannot be reached.
One player listed on the Pro Football Focus list of free agent guards heading into 2026 is Alijah Vera-Tucker. Vera-Tucker has been plagued by injuries in his NFL career, including 2025, which he missed the entirety of due to a torn triceps injury.
Despite the injury history during his NFL career, Vera-Tucker has been exceptional when healthy on the field. This was especially true in 2024, where Vera-Tucker ranked above the 90th percentile in PFF's pass-blocking grade on true pass sets at 71.6. Vera-Tucker would be a great fit in Pittsburgh as a replacement for Seumalo, should he decide to not come back in the 2026 season. Vera-Tucker fits the profile of the offensive line room, as he is just 26 years old.
Vera-Tucker played in four seasons with the New York Jets from 2021 to 2024, before sustaining the season-ending torn triceps injury in 2025. The former first-round draft pick out of the University of Southern California will turn 27 in June. At 6'5" and over 300 pounds, Vera-Tucker's physical presence on the field would also be a boost for the Steelers in 2026 should they need a replacement for Seumalo.
Bill Kostroun / New York Post
New York Jets offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker in 2025 NFL training camp.
Steelers Need For Proactive Approach Heading Into 2026
The Steelers need to have a proactive approach, especially with their roster, as they head into 2026. With the hiring of Mike McCarthy as head coach and the potential return of Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, it is clear the Steelers do not want to commit to a rebuild.
While this approach is fine to have for the Steelers, they must be calculated with the moves they make ahead of 2026. This includes being prepared to fill voids at any position of need that may arise in the offseason, and the guard position is no different.
The Steelers saw several injuries on their offensive line in 2025, even with Seumalo himself dealing with a nagging pectoral injury. They also saw Broderick Jones' season end early after he sustained a neck injury.
Dylan Cook did step in and fill the void for Jones really well in 2025, which was big for the Steelers offensive line. Their offensive line was also a unit that improved as the season went on. If the relatively young group is going to continue to make strides in 2026, it will need to be prepared to acquire someone like Vera-Tucker should Seumalo sign elsewhere.
Matt Durisko / Associated Press
Steelers Guard Isaac Seumalo and Tackle Broderick Jones blocking in an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens.
While Vera-Tucker's injury history is concerning, this could be used as leverage in contract negotiations. The Steelers also reported have upwards of $45 million in salary cap room ahead of the 2026 season.
The Steelers will be looking for an improved output on offense in 2026, which is why they also have been noted as a team to target wide receivers both in the draft and free agency. If the Steelers want to take a step forward offensively in 2026, they will also need to ensure they have a strong unit up front to enable them to score at a better mark than they did in 2025.
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