4 important Steelers who could be playing their final season in 2021

OG David DeCastro

This is a player I’m going to be sad to watch leave when his time is done. For my money, David DeCastro is the best offensive lineman the Steelers have had since Alan Faneca (yes, greater than the recently retired Maurkice Pouncey). Though 31 is barely considered old for an interior offensive lineman, there are a few reasons why this could be DeCastro’s last year with the team.

For starters, DeCastro has a contract that expires after the 2021 season. Because of his reputation as a six-time Pro Bowl and two-time All-Pro football player, there could be other teams who would be willing to overpay for this status in free agency next year.

There’s also the chance that DeCastro’s play just starts to fall off. We saw some of this last year. While it was determined that DeCastro played through a lingering knee injury, it wouldn’t be overly surprising if the long-time NFL guard has another down year in 2021.

If this is the case, the Steelers may choose just not to offer him an extension after the 2021 season. More than likely, DeCastro will bounce back with a solid year this season, but like Pouncey, he could just choose to walk away from the game after serving a decade with the Steelers.

Obviously, the Steelers aren’t going to dwell on these players potentially leaving next offseason, as they are going to be dialed in on trying to win a Super Bowl in 2021. However, because of their contract situations, age, and a potential drop-in play, there’s a chance that all four of these key players could be done in Pittsburgh after the 2021 season.