The Steelers are heading out in different directions from one of the pillars of their offensive line.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero announced that Pittsburgh has released perennial Pro Bowl guard David DeCastro on Thursday. The group later affirmed the move, which NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport noted will save $8.75 million in cap space.
Retirement is additionally an opportunities for the 31-year-old lineman, per Rapoport and NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. DeCastro underwent surgery on his lower leg before last season and has had issues with it for quite a while. He was still adequate in 2020 to procure a 6th consecutive Pro Bowl selection.
In any case, he’s been examining his football future of late while having his ankle evaluated, Garafolo added. The two-time All-Pro has been an installation in the Steelers’ starting lineup since 2013, one year after the franchise chose him in the first balance of Stanford.
Pittsburgh as of now has a former Pro Bowler in line to supplant DeCastro. Rapoport detailed the group has eagerness to terms with veteran watchman Trai Turner, who was restricted to nine games with the Chargers last year due to a crotch injury yet announced himself to be 100% sound after his June visit with the Steelers.
DeCastro’s departure proceeds with Pittsburgh’s offseason initiative to upgrade the hostile line, with long-term starters Maurkice Pouncey (resigned), Alejandro Villanueva (Ravens) and Matt Feiler (Chargers) additionally gone. The Steelers, obviously, have another offensive line coach (Adrian Klemm) and hostile organizer (Matt Canada) too.
Ben Roethlisberger losing his longest remaining running mate on offense is presently the most recent, if not generally surprising, change.