4 notable Steelers likely playing their final year in 2021

Steelers David DeCastro

Writing about 2021 being David DeCastro’s final season seems almost surreal. The 2012 first-round pick has been the best member of the line for the last decade almost, and he will only be 32 once the season concludes. While that is on the older side, linemen, especially interior lineman, can play well into their mid-thirties. That said, with his contract set to expire next year, there is no reason to believe he will be around past this season.

DeCastro had his worst season as a full-time starter last year. He appeared to be playing hurt, and the reports of him being injured during camp make it seems like he hasn’t really healed this offseason. Despite not being ancient for a lineman, father time could be catching up to DeCastro sooner than expected. If that is the case, the Steelers may not opt to extend him past this season.

What is really concerning is that DeCastro may not make it through this season given the team met with Trai Turner recently. One would think that Turner would want to start, and unless Kevin Dotson has been struggling, that would indicate more long-term issues with DeCastro. Even if DeCastro suits up in 2021, a solid season still leaves him a free agent in 2022. The team would have to use the franchise tag to keep him, something they may not want to do given his age. While he is the most likely to stick around out of everyone on this list, there is a real chance 2021 is it for DeCastro as a Steelers player.