The Pittsburgh Steelers recently confirmed that they’ve released Pro Bowl guard David DeCastro. The release reportedly came with a non-football injury designation, meaning that DeCastro is dealing with an injury that wasn’t a result of football activities.
The move will give the Steelers a significant cap relief, considering that DeCastro was set to count $14.2 million against the cap. By releasing him, the organization saved close to $9 million in cap space.
Shortly after confirming the news, Steelers went and agreed on a one-year deal with guard Trai Turner. The five-time Pro Bowler, who previously played with the Carolina Panthers and LA Chargers, will most likely fill DeCastro’s spot in the starting lineup for the 2021 NFL season.
Speaking with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette earlier this week, David DeCastro revealed the nature of his injury. According to the 31-year-old star, he has a nagging ankle issue and will have to have to surgically repair it for the third time.
The procedure might not only cost him the better part of 2021 but could also push him into retirement: “Gotta see how the surgery goes, but I’d have no problem calling it a day and moving on with my life,” DeCastro explained.
DeCastro was drafted by the Steelers in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He went on to play 125 games with the franchise, securing three All-Pro nods and six Pro Bowl selections in the process.
