Sources say the Steelers are adding to the offensive line, and signing Seumalo

The Pittsburgh Steelers bolstered their offensive line Saturday night, gaining a full-time starter from across the state.

Former Philadelphia Eagles guard Isaac Somalo has signed a three-year contract with Pittsburgh, sources tell ESPN.

Seumalo is the Steelers’ second offensive lineman to sign into free agency, joining Nate Herbig, who spent three years with the Eagles before spending one year with the New York Jets. Both Herbig and Seumalo have ties to first-year Steelers assistant general manager Andy Weidl, who spent six seasons in the Eagles’ front office, including three as vice president of player personnel.

A left guard for most of his career, Seumalo switched to right guard for the 2022 season and provides the Steelers flexibility on the inside of the line. His addition also creates additional competition for third-year lineman Kevin Dotson for a starting spot at left guard, or even James Daniels at right guard.

Seumalo missed significant time with injuries during the 2020 and 2021 seasons but bounced back to play all 17 regular season games for the Eagles in 2022 and was part of a unit that finished second in run block win rate to ESPN (75%) and fifth in rushing. yards per game (147.6).

He has the speed to redirect defenders and body control to respond to bursts of power and establish a stable base in the pocket. His pass block winning percentage of 93.6% ranks 15th among all guards this season, while his run block win rate ranks 20th.

Seumalo, 29, was a third round draft pick by the Eagles in 2016 from Oregon State. He started 60 games over seven seasons in Philadelphia, helping put together one of the best offensive lines in football over that run.

He is credited with helping shape the game plan in the offensive line room along with position coach Jeff Stotland and quarterback Jason Kelsey.

ESPN staffing authors Tim McManus and Matt Bowen contributed to this report.