The Pittsburgh Steelers will have quite a few decisions to make this offseason ahead of free agency, as far as retaining players or letting them walk.

One of those players is veteran left guard Isaac Seumalo, a three-year starter for the Black and Gold. Seumalo started in 44 games for the Steelers and was a key piece up front. Yet, he’s 32 years old and coming off a season in which he battled through a pectoral injury that hindered him throughout the year.

So, it’s a tough decision to make for the Steelers. Let a key leader of a young offensive line walk in free agency after bringing in a pair of new offensive line coaches in a year of transition, or retain the veteran and keep that steady presence in the room, one that is still playing at a solid level.

For former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex, who appeared on 93.7 The Fan Tuesday morning, the decision is easy.

“Absolutely, you bring [Isaac] Seumalo back. He was nicked up quite a few times last year, but there was a distinct difference in how this o-line played, especially in the pass protection, especially with what he did with the rotating door that was left tackle last year, playing next to four different left tackles, keeping that stable,” Essex said of Seumalo, according to video via the Fan’s YouTube page. “I think you absolutely keep him and bring in some more young guys, maybe mid-round draft pick or a free agent. But I think you bring this exact [starting] five back, how it ended last year and see what they can do in 2026.”

Though he battled injuries throughout the year, it was arguably Seumalo’s best season with the Steelers.

Across 770 snaps, Seumalo graded out at a 74.9 overall from Pro Football Focus, his highest grade as a Steeler, and allowed just 15 pressures, which was a career-low in a full season for the veteran.

The work that he did late in the season at left guard once Broderick Jones went down with an injury in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears was remarkable. Seumalo elevated his play and helped names like Andrus Peat and Dylan Cook settle into left tackle and play well.

He did that while playing through injury, too. It’s important to make sure that’s clearly stated. Sure, he missed three games due to that injury, but he pushed through down the stretch as the Steelers competed for a playoff spot.

Things didn’t go well for Seumalo in the playoff loss as he allowed five pressures and a sack against the Houston Texans. But that performance can’t overshadow the three seasons he had with the Steelers. He was a key leader for a young offensive line finding its footing in the NFL, and he was playing at a solid level throughout his tenure.

He still has some good years left, too. It would make sense to run it back with the same starting five up front, especially with new position coaches coming into the fold.

We’ll see what the Steelers ultimately decide to do with Seumalo. But Essex makes it clear: it should be an easy decision.