Tag: David DeCastro

Bengals adding David DeCastro listed as top move team should make

Should this be goal No. 1 for the Bengals right now?

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The Cincinnati Bengals probably aren’t the only team in the NFL that would like to add former Pittsburgh Steelers guard David DeCastro.

Interestingly, one analyst tabs it as the one thing the Bengals must do this offseason.

Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report outlined the idea:

“If there’s any chance DeCastro plays, the Cincinnati Bengals must do whatever they can to sign the six-time Pro Bowl guard and help keep last year’s No. 1 overall pick, Joe Burrow, upright and healthy.”

Simple enough idea — and one we’ve already said the team should do if DeCastro intends to continue his career. DeCastro could pop in and compete at a guard spot, potentially providing an upgrade over other veterans while second-rounder Jackson Carman locks down the other.

That said, as good of an idea as it sounds on paper, it’s hard to know if DeCastro will even keep playing while he deals with a nagging ankle issue. Either way, the Bengals are running out of time because the offensive line market is drying up so quickly.

Elsewhere on the moves teams should make front is what feels like a predictable extension for Jessie Bates this summer, too.

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News: David DeCastro, Nick Foles as Cowboys? Zack Martin’s rank? Herschel runs again?

Nick Foles as a possible trade target, NFL cheerleaders find themselves in an uncertain time. All this and more in Cowboys News and Notes.

The big guys up front lead the pack in this edition of News and Notes. Many are wondering if the six-time Pro Bowler recently released by Pittsburgh is worth a look in Dallas. This comes just as the Cowboys’ own perennial Pro Bowl guard is revealed to be in rarefied air among NFL players. And the need for depth along the O-line is leading one Cowboys scribe to scour other team’s rosters for trade targets.

Elsewhere, a Super Bowl MVP is mentioned as a possible backup to Dak Prescott, a spot of considerable concern for one ESPN writer. There’s linebacker talk as one current star looks to return to form while a rising star calls to mind more than one Cowboys great. Dalton Schultz spent the weekend getting tips from the league’s best tight ends, and Kelvin Joseph vows he’ll be ready for opening day. Emmitt Smith leads the charge in vaccination efforts, Herschel Walker may be running again (for office), and NFL cheerleaders find themselves in a uncertain time. All that, plus a farewell to a former team staffer.

With surplus of offensive guards, Chiefs should explore trade with Steelers

The #Chiefs have a surplus of offensive guards, which could make them an intriguing trade partner with the #Steelers after David DeCastro’s release.

The Kansas City Chiefs have spent the offseason building up their offensive line, but could we see them part ways with a player via trade before the season begins?

The Chiefs currently find themselves with a surplus of talent on the interior offensive line. While the need for depth will always be there, several starting-quality players could find themselves on the roster bubble in Kansas City. Thus far during the offseason program, players like veteran Kyle Long and rookie Trey Smith have taken starting repetitions at right guard. It has left questions about players like former starters Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Andrew Wylie and Nick Allegretti. Where do they all fit in the Chiefs’ plans in the long-term and short-term?

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently made headlines, releasing veteran right guard David DeCastro on Thursday. This is reported to be related to injury issues and there is some speculation that retirement could be on the way for the veteran guard. A pro-bowler for the past six consecutive seasons, DeCastro will be tough for the Steelers to replace, especially when they already lost three veteran starters (Alejandro Villaneuva, Matt Feiler, & Maurkice Pouncey) this offseason. They already added free-agent G Trai Turner, but he’s had injury issues of his own lately. They could still be looking for a veteran starter in trade.

Chiefs fans would probably disapprove of any sort of trade helping a team like the Steelers, who’ve always been a thorn in the team’s side. However, if players like Duvernay-Tardif, Wylie, and Allegretti are on the bubble and at risk of release, it’d make more sense for the team to try to get some return out of them. It also might be better for those players too. If a former starter like Duvernay-Tardif doesn’t earn a starting job in Kansas City, would they not want to do right by him and help him find a starting opportunity elsewhere?

Pittsburgh won’t be the only potential suitor if the Chiefs begin to explore a trade like this. Offensive line talent is at a premium and there are a number of teams across the league that could be looking for upgrades or improved depth. Making a trade is certainly something that the Chiefs should consider with training camp and the preseason on the horizon. If they can acquire a player at a weaker position group or a quality draft pick, it would sure be a lot more favorable than simply handing that player his walking papers come 53-man roster cuts.

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Mike Tomlin brushed off question about David DeCastro injury

Tomlin was asked directly about guard David DeCastro not participating in a post-practice press conference last week. 

Last week, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was asked directly about guard David DeCastro not participating in a post-practice press conference.

While DeCastro was present, he was not out on the field.

TribLive’s Joe Rutter asked specifically about why DeCastro wasn’t out there.

“If I thought injury circumstances or reasons why people were not participating were significant, I would share them with you,” Tomlin said.

In fact, Tomlin was pressed a few times — probably more to do with Ben Roethlisberger than anything. He clearly skirted the issue, continuing to say there was no concern whatsoever.

It turns out DeCastro’s injury “circumstances” were so dire that the Steelers flat out cut him on Thursday.

The veteran guard had been dealing with nagging ankle and knee injuries for a good part of 2020, and his production had been on the decline for a couple of seasons.

In all fairness, the league does not require coaches to disclose injury information during offseason activities.

The Steelers agreed to terms with five-time Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner mere hours after DeCastro’s release.

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Should Giants pursue six-time Pro Bowl guard David DeCastro?

Should the New York Giants pursue veteran guard David DeCastro in the event he does not retire?

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The New York Giants did not make any splashes or additions this offseason along the offensive line but that does not discount the fact that upgrades would be welcome.

After releasing their best lineman, veteran guard Kevin Zeitler, in a cost cutting move to free up salary cap space the Giants doubled down on their current offensive line group by not using any of their six picks in the draft on one. They also only signed one veteran — guard Zach Fulton — in free agency and he is going to have to win a role in training camp.

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Many who cover the team believe they could still add to the group should the right player present himself. Some thought that player could be former Carolina Panthers guard Trai Turner, but he was just signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

That leads us to the other part of that equation. Turner was signed to replace guard David DeCastro, the six-time Pro Bowler who was released by the Steelers on Thursday. The Giants should be one of the teams interested in DeCastro, but they could be scared away by some troubling injury news.

From NBC Sports Edge:

The move was a complete shock until NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo added that DeCastro has been dealing with an ankle issue for “quite some time” and is considering retirement. Pittsburgh saves $8.8 million by releasing DeCastro but it’s clear that this was never their plan. He was released with a non-football injury designation, likely indicating that something is wrong with his ankle.

The Giants are confident in the group they have at guard at the moment (Will Hernandez, Fulton and Shane Lemieux) and bringing in an injured player such as DeCastro won’t really move the needle much. They could explore the situation but all indications here are that DeCastro is hurt and may not be ready to play.

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If healthy, should the Ravens go after David DeCastro?

If healthy, should the Ravens go after David DeCastro?

The Baltimore Ravens revamped their offensive line during the 2021 offseason, bringing in reinforcements during both free agency and the draft. Most of the offensive line positions already have a set starter, but at left guard, there is going to be a heated competition between a few players.

On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Steelers released guard David DeCastro in what many considered to be a surprise move. DeCastro had be an extremely solid piece of Pittsburgh’s offensive line, but reports indicate that he’s been dealing with ankle issues and is evaluating his future.

Looking at if Baltimore should look into signing the veteran guard, the first thing that must be answered is if he’s healthy or not. DeCastro didn’t perform up to his abilities during the 2020 season as he dealt with injuries, and if he isn’t going to be at 100 percent, he most likely wouldn’t be able to provide the Ravens the level of play at guard that others could give them.

Even if DeCastro is healthy, it feels like there isn’t any room for him on Baltimore’s roster. Kevin Zeitler is firmly entrenched at right guard, the position that DeCastro has played at the NFL level. Signing the 10th year player would increase the Ravens’ depth along the offensive line, but doesn’t seem very likely to happen considering DeCastro’s questionable health and how many quality options the team has on the offensive line.

AFC North watch: The Steelers lose another offensive lineman

Pro Bowl RG David DeCastro is the 4th Steelers starting OL from 2020 to move on this offseason

The Cleveland Browns return an intact starting fivesome on the offensive line, and it’s one of the very best in the league. They also return some depth behind those impressive starters, too.

It’s a very different story for the AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers.

Not content with just some chaos and attrition along their offensive line, the Steelers made another big move up front on Thursday. Pittsburgh waived longtime starting right guard David DeCastro.

The veteran is reportedly contemplating retirement, and the Steelers decided to part ways now instead of dealing with some longer-term uncertainty. Decastro has been one of the NFL’s best at his position for several years, particularly in pass protection.

DeCastro was Pittsburgh’s first-round pick in 2012 and has been a starter ever since, earning two All-Pro nods and berths in the last six Pro Bowls. He is the fourth starting offensive lineman from the Steelers playoff team of 2020 to move on this offseason. Left tackle Alejandro Villanueva, center Maurkice Pouncey and right tackle Matt Feiler are all also gone.

Somewhere, Myles Garrett is smiling…

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Steelers boast top pass-blocking guard in the NFL

According to PFF, the highest-graded guard belongs to the Black and Gold.

Nobody thought rookie guard Kevin Dotson would even see the field this season. All-Pro David DeCastro was the clear-cut starter and veteran Stefen Wisniewski was signed via free agency.

But 2020 will 2020, and injuries to both DeCastro and Wisniewski have given Dotson the unique opportunity he’s dreamed 17 years of — to block for Big Ben.

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DeCastro has had an injury-marred year. Since he missed most training camp with a knee injury, Dotson saw more reps than a rookie typically does. The injury kept DeCastro out of Week 1, and Wisniewski played in his place — that is until a pectoral injury took him out of the game in the 4th quarter.

The All-Pro was back for Week 3, but the knee kept him out again in Week 4. He returned Week 5, only to exit in the first half with an abdominal injury. With DeCastro ruled out for tomorrow’s Browns battle, Dotson will, once again, be called into action.

Good thing the Steelers have the best pass-blocking guard in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus. Dotson will primarily be facing former first-rounder Sheldon Richardson. While the tackle’s pash rush grade is 54.5, he’s tied for 7th among defensive linemen in sacks with 2. Richardson also has 11 hurries.

In Weeks 1, 2 and 5, Dotson was at or near 100 percent block efficiency. In 72 pass-blocking snaps (125 total), he has not allowed a sack. If his upward trajectory continues, he’ll handle his duties just fine.

AP Photo/Rick Osentoski

Curiously, Dotson has been a significantly better pass-blocker (88.8) than run-blocker (54.9). The “People Mover” was lauded for his collegiate run-blocking skills — it was his best trait among many draft profiles, including The Draft Network. So, his performance in pass protection has been an unexpected surprise.

Screenshot courtesy of PFF Ultimate

While it’s too early to say whether Dotson was a steal in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, it’s certainly playing out that way.

Offensive lineman Matt Feiler, who has been playing at left guard, will be hitting free agency in March. I have a good feeling Dotson will be ready to fill the void.

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Steelers’ David DeCastro out vs. Giants

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced on Saturday that starting RG David DeCastro (knee) is out against the New York Giants.

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The New York Giants will be relatively healthy entering Week 1 of the regular season, listing three players as questionable, but the Pittsburgh Steelers weren’t quite as lucky.

Although their final injury report consisted of just one name, it was a big one — starting guard David DeCastro.

As expected, the Steelers officially ruled DeCastro (knee) out against the Giants, meaning veteran offensive lineman Stefen Wisniewski will step in to replace him.

“I have learned in my years in the NFL be ready for anything,” Wisniewski told Steelers.com‘s Teresa Varley during training camp. “I am capable of being a starter in this league. I think I have proven that.”

Wisniewski, a 10-year NFL veteran, certainly is no slouch, but his presence just means further uncertainty for the right side of Pittsburgh’s offensive line. They will feature a replacement right guard, a new right tackle and a new left guard on Monday night.

For the Giants, wide receiver Golden Tate (hamstring), tight end Levine Toilolo (hamstring) and rookie linebacker Tae Crowder (hamstring) are all listed as questionable.

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Report: Steelers Pro Bowl G David DeCastro out vs. Giants

It’s been reported that guard David DeCastro will not play Monday night versus the New York Giants.

Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports Steelers guard David DeCastro is not expected to play Monday night versus the New York Giants.

DeCastro is dealing with an undisclosed injury suffered during an August 28 simulated game practice.

Playing in DeCastro’s place will be veteran guard/center Stefen Wisniewski. The Pittsburgh-area native signed with the Steelers in March fresh off a Super Bowl win with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The 10-year offensive lineman, who spent time with the Raiders and Jaguars, also won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018.

We’re still awaiting official word from the Steelers but it doesn’t look promising for DeCastro. Next man up.

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