It didn't take long for Kevin Colbert to make a move after releasing six-time Pro Bowl guard David DeCastro Thursday.
Just hours after the announcement of DeCastro being released after nine seasons as a pivotal part of the Steelers' offense, the Steelers signed five-time Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner to a one-year deal:
Former Pro-Bowl guard Trai Turner and the Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to terms on a one-year deal, per his agent @DrewJRosenhaus.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 24, 2021
The Steelers desperately needed an addition at guard after the loss of DeCastro, who represented the last of the team's old guard on the offensive line. Turner, 28, will join a Steelers offensive line whose most experienced returning starter from last season will be Chukwuma Okorafor, who started 15 games.
Turner started nine games for the Chargers in 2020 because a groin injury took him out early in the season, missing seven of the team's first eight games. But he recovered to play the team's final eight games. Over his seven seasons in the NFL, Turner has made a name for himself as a physical run blocker and study pass protector.
Over those seven years, PFF records Turner playing in 3,564 snaps in pass protection and only allowing 13 sacks. During those same seasons, DeCastro played 4,577 snaps in pass protection and allowed 11 sacks.
It’s 1-year, $3M for new #Steelers guard Trai Turner. https://t.co/va0GE4C1hn
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 25, 2021
The Steelers need his expertise to help protect 38-year old Ben Roethlisberger in the pocket, especially after the loss of DeCastro, who didn't allow a single sack last season. Turner had to protect the likes of Justin Herbert last year with the Chargers and Cam Newton with the Panthers who Turner played alongside in Super Bowl 50. He has plenty of experience protecting franchise quarterbacks key to a team's plans.
The question will be whether Turner can return to how he blocked for the Panthers in the run game. There he developed the reputation as a physically dominant guard who could drive opponents off the ball. But over the past three seasons his contributions there have diminished, and especially did when he joined the Chargers in 2020.
Turner joining his third team in as many years means he'll have to adjust quickly, as Colbert didn't issue out a one-year deal for him to be a reclamation project. He will have to be the guy at guard alongside Kendrick Green at center and Kevin Dotson at the other guard.
But this move does make it so all the presumed starting offensive linemen for the Steelers are in their twenties. Which could be good for new offensive line coach Adrian Klemm to get their younger legs going in the more physical style of run blocking he's emphasized in early team meetings and spring practices.
