Why now?
Ed Bouchette, Steelers beat writer: It would seem that DeCastro has a physical problem that led the Steelers to believe they might not be able to count on him this season. He showed up for minicamp last week but did not participate.
In the meantime, they had Turner, a free agent from the Chargers, in for a visit. DeCastro had a sub-par 2020 after an abdominal injury in training camp. There also is a report that he has an ankle issue. If they are interested in signing Turner, they likely needed both the cap room from DeCastro and to commit to Turner to be his replacement.
What will this OL look like?
Bouchette: The release of DeCastro means the Steelers will have new starters at all five positions on their offensive line.
Center Maurkice Pouncey retired, and left tackle Al Villanueva signed with the Ravens as a UFA. Left guard Matt Feiler signed as a UFA with the Chargers. Right tackle Chuks Okorafor has been moved to left tackle. Zach Banner, who won the job at right tackle to start 2020, returns there after his last season ended in the opener with a torn ACL.
Second-year pro Kevin Dotson will start at left guard. Turner could be signed to replace DeCastro at right guard, or B.J. Finney, a guard/center, could play there. Finney, J.C. Hassenauer and rookie third-round pick Kendrick Green were set to compete to replace Pouncey at center.
Who might have an interest in DeCastro?
Mike Sando, NFL senior writer: The Steelers know more about DeCastro than anyone knows about him, so if reports are true that there could be some long-term injury concerns, that is going to affect the market for DeCastro. Absent those concerns, the Chiefs stand out as a team that has had interest in the guard market (they signed Kyle Long) and could still have interest (Long suffered an injury).
Price is a key variable, especially this deep into the offseason. A contending team might have an easier time signing an established player to a lower-priced deal. Green Bay is another team that might be able to use a veteran lineman.
(Photo: Joe Sargent / Getty Images)
