Already set to feature a far less experienced offensive line this season, the Steelers are now pivoting further in that direction. They are releasing All-Pro guard David DeCastro, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets.
A starter since his 2012 rookie season, DeCastro has made the past six Pro Bowls and has secured two first-team All-Pro nods. The former first-round pick is going into his age-31 season. This is certainly a surprise, given DeCastro’s accomplishments and the makeup of Pittsburgh’s offensive front.
It does not sound like DeCastro is 100% healthy at this stage of his career, however. Ankle issues plagued him in the recent past, and he underwent surgery to address the problem. The nine-year veteran is evaluating his NFL future, according to NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo (on Twitter). DeCastro did not show for Pittsburgh’s OTAs but reported to minicamp. He did not participate in the mandatory offseason workouts, The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly tweets. This release comes with a non-football injury designation, per Aaron Wilson of Sports Talk 790 (on Twitter).
The Steelers and DeCastro agreed to a five-year, $50MM extension back in September 2016. That deal worked out well for Pittsburgh, which ascended to lofty heights on offense in the mid-2010s and remained a top-tier attack for several seasons. DeCastro was a key driver for both Le’Veon Bell All-Pro campaigns, teaming with Maurkice Pouncey and Ramon Foster to form an elite interior O-line. All three players are gone, and all the O-line starters from the “Killer B’s” era are no longer with the team. Pouncey retired, while left tackle Alejandro Villanueva signed with the Ravens after the draft.
One season remained on DeCastro’s contract, but the $10MM-per-year deal was manageable due to the guard market’s growth in the nearly five years since DeCastro signed his deal. The Steelers will save at least $8MM on their 2021 salary cap, but replacing another high-end O-lineman will be a task. The Steelers did bring in former Panthers and Chargers starter Trai Turner for a visit last week. The five-time Pro Bowler’s Pennsylvania trip makes more sense now.
This era-ending transaction will leave the Steelers with major question marks up front. Only one starter is set to return from last year’s unit — Chukwuma Okorafor — and he will be playing a new position. Okorafor is slated to slide from right to left tackle; he has one season’s worth of starting experience. The Steelers re-signed Week 1 right tackle starter Zach Banner, but he is coming off an ACL tear and has started one game in four NFL seasons. Second-year player Kevin Dotson, a fourth-round pick out of Louisiana, is on track to start at left guard. The Steelers drafted Kendrick Green in this year’s third round; he will have a chance to succeed Pouncey at center.
Well that’s a shocker….can’t believe they couldn’t trade him for a draft pick….even a low one….it’s not like he’s 40 or something?
He was released because of a non-football injury designation. Idk what happened but I doubt they were able to trade him because of it.
Yeah, I see that now….my comment was typed when only the first paragraph was the entire story.
Still stinks for the guy….he was a future HOFer had he stayed healthy. Still might be one….but not a slam dunk being forced into retirement so early.
So Trai Turner is the next news we hear. Man. Loved decastro. Maybe they can sign Moses too? Jets haven’t officially signed him, right?
No Moses hasn’t signed in new Jersey yet. I think hes still talking to the Bears too
If we could only release our fat, prima-donna QB.
You are kidding about the fat part right?
Another one who perpetuates the myth that Ben is continually fat and out of shape.
He’s more chubby than fat.
Taking pay cuts is certainly prima donna behavior.
The guy brought the steelers 2 titles. I mean whats your grand plan if they do release him?
Start mason rudolph? Robert griffin?
Hearing that he may still be having issues with his ankle that he had repaired last off season. He may be done. At least they have 8 million to help replace now.
Boy, this is a head-scratcher. Does he have an injury? They already lost Villanueva and Pouncey and now they cut DeCastro, probably their best O-lineman for the last several years? Either I’ve been not keeping up with DeCadtro’s story or there’s something going on here which hasn’t come out…this is a strange way for Pittsburgh to revamp their running game. Why draft Najee Harris with your first pick and then cut David DeCastro?
He does. Non-football injury designation.
6 consecutive pro bowls… and they offensive line already sucks, fits right in
Seattle could use more o-line help and DeCastro is from Bellevue. I could see that working out.
I want the chiefs to sign him sooooo bad right now. I would be glad to take the risk on him. Especially with long hurt.
Non-football-related injury. Let’s see who they sign before more panic sets in.
You probably want to have some sort of offensive line when your plan is built around a first round RB and an old QB.
This is why the Miami CB wants a new deal. I never heard a bad word about DeCastro & yet cut; well after free agency and the draft. This way he’s a ‘post June cut’ and the team can save money and spread out his contract over 2 years.
There’s no loyalty from the teams, why should the players show loyalty? I always laugh at the ‘home town discount’ players are asked to take….BS!
Now the Fins can fine their dude, and most likely will. But I have no issue with his stance.
I think DeCastro was contemplating retirement. I agree with the overall point, but Howard in his case did get what he wanted with that deal, and he hasn’t even gotten halfway through. Maybe he should at least wait until he has a year or two years even left before trying to demand a new one.
I don’t know the answer, but to call players greedy while they get cut in the midst of contracts is also shortsighted. Miami cut Van Noy this offseason 1 year into his deal right?
It’s pretty obvious that the Steelers are making most of their roster moves in preparation for life after Ben. All teams that have been successful have to make this type of transition at some point.