The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for free agency, and with Ben Bartch and Spencer Burford set to hit the open market, they'll need to sign at least one guard in March. ESPN's Matt Bowen suggests that Isaac Seumalo, a 10-year veteran guard, could be the perfect fit for the team.
Seumalo, who plays left guard, had a statistically impressive season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, allowing only three sacks on 434 passing snaps and having the 8th-lowest blown block rate among all guards. He's a talented player who can displace defenders in both zone and gap run concepts and keep the pocket firm in pass pro for quarterback Brock Purdy. His foot quickness and body control make him a strong asset against power rushers.
However, Seumalo's lengthy injury history is a concern. He missed three games this past season due to triceps and pectoral injuries, and he missed the first four games of the 2024 season after suffering a pectoral injury during practice in August 2024. This is a significant issue, especially given the team's recent struggles with injuries at the starting left guard position.
Seumalo's market projection is $9.6 million annually, which would result in a deal worth around $28.8 million over three seasons. The 49ers' current left side of the offensive line is aging, with players aged 38, 33, and 34. Adding Seumalo could provide a much-needed boost to the team's offensive line and help improve the interior of Kyle Shanahan's offense.
Despite the injury concerns, Seumalo's talent and experience make him a strong candidate for the 49ers. The team will need to carefully consider the potential risks and rewards of signing him, but his ability to improve the offensive line and support the quarterback makes him a valuable addition to the roster.
