It isn’t everyday that offensive linemen are available on the open market in their prime, but that’s where we find ourselves after guard David DeCastro was recently released by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In the last couple of months, we’ve seen NFL teams part ways with players due to injuries the organization claims were not “football related.”
That appears to be the situation involving DeCastro, although the six time Pro Bowl player claims that he’s been dealing with an ankle injury for an extended period of time.
Before DeCastro finds a new home, it’s pretty much a certainty that teams will want to take a granular, long look at his ankle to make sure it won’t compromise the rest of his NFL career.
With that said, organizations are usually always looking to upgrade in the trenches, and it shouldn’t be long before he resurfaces again.
Here are two teams that should sign the two time All-Pro guard.
Steelers have released former Pro-Bowl G David DeCastro.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 24, 2021
1. Las Vegas Raiders
During the offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders completely overhauled the middle of their offensive line.
In separate transactions, they jettisoned center Rodney Hudson and guard Gabe Jackson out of town.
This was largely due to salary cap reasons, but both players had been extremely effective throughout the course of their careers.
As Las Vegas looks to go younger and cheaper on that unit, they’ll have to hope that first-round pick Alex Leatherwood can be a competent starter from day one.
Leatherwood was the somewhat controversial pick the Raiders made in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft; many analysts believed Leatherwood was more suited to be a day two pick.
For these reasons, the Raiders could absolutely use someone of DeCastro’s resume and talent on their line in 2021.
He’ll come at a significant discount, and will help stabilize a part of the team with a ton of question marks heading into camp.
David DeCastro absolutely unloading on Vontaze Burfict is one of my favorite all-time moments. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/t9JxBt3GiX
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) June 24, 2021
2. Indianapolis Colts
It’s possible that the Indianapolis Colts have the best guard in the NFL in Quenton Nelson.
By virtue of his presence alone, it would seem like the Colts might not be the most logical suitors for DeCastro.
However, it’s no secret that the franchise is looking to make a significant jump in the AFC this season, and their offseason moves reflect a team looking to make the next step.
They’ve gone all-in on quarterback Carson Wentz, and took a flier on the supremely talented(but currently rehabbing) tackle Eric Fisher.
Both players have supreme upside if effective and healthy, but come with obvious red flags.
DeCastro would fit into a similar category, but this has not stopped Indianapolis from pursuing these types of players.
If DeCastro is healthy and can find his form, he and Nelson would form the most imposing tandem of guards in the NFL.
Additionally, with Wentz’s recent tendency to hold on to the football longer than perhaps he should, it would behoove the Colts to fortify their offensive line as much as humanly possible to give him extra time to throw.
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