Somewhat surprisingly, the Pittsburgh Steelers decided to release long-time right guard David DeCastro. The move saved the team over $8 million in cap space, $3 million of which went to signing DeCastro’s likely replacement, Trai Turner. DeCastro has been dealing with injuries over the past year, and it’s unclear whether he will sign elsewhere or opt to retire. Regardless, his departure officially marks the end of an era for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
David DeCastro Departure Marks the End of an Era
A Dominant Guard
Since being drafted by the Steelers in the first round of the 2012 draft, DeCastro had been nothing short of excellent for the Steelers. In his nine seasons in the black and gold, DeCastro was selected as an All-Pro three times and a Pro Bowler six times. When he was healthy, David DeCastro was one of the best guards in the NFL. He fit right into the Steelers offense. A great athlete, DeCastro’s pulling abilities were extremely valuable to the Steelers pull-and-counter-heavy rushing attack. DeCastro made countless impressive blocks in space throughout his time in Pittsburgh.
Enjoy this compilation of David DeCastro pulling (all at RG) over the years. One of the best pullers of his era and key to so many of the Steelers' staple runs. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/k442g5o6Ud
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) June 25, 2021
Though he will be missed on the field, DeCastro might be missed more in the Steelers locker room. He has always been a mature veteran leader in a locker room that has had its share of drama. For DeCastro, it was never about being flashy or getting recognition. He cared about playing well, winning football games, and being a role model of a teammate. Look no further than his handling of Vontaze Burfict or Eric Reid; he always had his teammates’ backs.
David DeCastro always had his QBs back. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/ESqxVxoiCW
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) June 24, 2021
The End of An Era
The best period for the Steelers offensive line in a long time has officially come to an end. Maurkice Pouncey, a potential Hall of Famer and one of the best centers in Steelers history, has retired. Alejandro Villanueva, a staple at left tackle for years, will be a Raven in 2021. Ramon Foster, DeCastro’s fellow guard, retired prior to the 2020 season after spending all 11 of his seasons in Pittsburgh. Matt Feiler has moved on and will be playing with the Chargers next year.
This offensive line group helped the Steelers maintain an elite offense for several years in the mid-late 2010s. Foster, Pouncey, and DeCastro held it down in the interior of the offensive line. On the outside, left tackle duties were handled by Kelvin Beachum then Villanueva. The right tackle was Marcus Gilbert, who was then replaced by Feiler. Now, all seven of these linemen are gone. None of them remain with the Pittsburgh Steelers. One thing’s for sure; Ben Roetlihsberger will really miss them.
David DeCastro being released by the Steelers was the final nail in the coffin of this great offensive line group. All good things must come to an end, though. Father Time remains undefeated. Now, Pittsburgh will turn their focus to finding a group of linemen who will look to replicate the success of the guys before them. If they’re lucky, they’ll find someone who can replace David DeCastro. But that kind of player doesn’t come around often.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
