After seven seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles as left guard, Isaac Seumalo will transition to the right for 2022. And the best part is, the Super Bowl Champion isn’t bitter.
ISAAC SEUMALO’S TRANSITION TO RIGHT GUARD
The Eagles drafted Seumalo in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft — the same season Doug Pederson became head coach. As one of five instrumental players who remain on the team from that era, Seumalo has played on the left since the beginning.
In 2018, he suffered his first of what would be a slew of injuries. The following season, the Eagles signed Seumalo to a three-year contract extension; however, he endured back-to-back injuries the following two seasons, limiting his gameplay.
In Week 3 of the 2021 season against the Dallas Cowboys, Seumalo was placed on the injured reserve list after a Lisfranc injury. Rookie Landon Dickerson replaced him, showing enough promise to keep himself at left guard for 2022. After word that Seumalo would return to finish out the final year on his contract, there were rumors that he would train at center, becoming Jason Kelce’s eventual successor. However, that dissipated after the Eagles drafted rookie Cam Jurgens.
Now, the right is where it’s at.
Seumalo stated, “Every year you’re competing. Doesn’t matter if you’re a 12-year all-pro or a first-year rookie. You’ve got to come in with that mindset that they’re always going to bring in somebody to compete for your job, that’s just what it is, I’m no stranger to that.”
The 28-year-old will now line up next to veteran Lane Johnson, solidifying a rock-solid offensive line — one that is predicted to be the best in the league this season.
“I love playing next to Jordan (Mailata), that’s been great, but I get to play next to Lane (Johnson) too, and they’re two of the best at what they do so I’m thankful either way.”
After completing rehab following his foot surgery, Seumalo has been adjusting to the right side.
“I feel like I’ve been moving well during OTAs. I’m not really planning on taking any breaks these next six, seven weeks. I want to be as good if not better than what I was before. That’s always been my goal since October.”
Seumalo plans to be ready by training camp, which begins on July 26.