New Steelers right guard Trai Turner not concerned about replacing David DeCastro

Trai Turner joined the Pittsburgh Steelers a day after David DeCastro was released in June. He is occupying the same spot once filled by the six-time Pro Bowl right guard.

Similarities end there, said Turner, even though he has five Pro Bowl appearances in seven NFL seasons to his credit.

“I’m not trying to emulate or be somebody else,” Turner said Sunday after his fourth training camp workout with the Steelers. “I’m not taking place of nobody else. I’m not replacing anything. I’m coming in and setting the tone for who I am and what I do.”

Who Turner is, is a 6-foot-3, 315-pound guard that became a free agent following one underwhelming season with the Los Angeles Chargers. What he does – when healthy – is provide stout run blocking and strong pass protection, which is evidenced by the postseason honors he accrued during 2015-19 with the Carolina Panthers.

Turner also just turned 28 in June, making him a younger option than the 31-year-old DeCastro. With a one-year, $3 million contract, Turner is more affordable, too. DeCastro’s release created an $8.75 million salary cap savings for the Steelers.

“Everything has an expiration date at some point,” Turner said. “DeCastro is a great player. I don’t feel like I’m necessarily replacing him. I’m just the new right guard.”

Turner is the only established veteran on an offensive line that doesn’t return a single player from his starting position in 2020. Chuks Okorafor has switched to left tackle. Zach Banner’s lone start at right tackle lasted less than four quarters. Left guard Kevin Dotson is in his second season, and three players are competing at center, where rookie Kendrick Green appears to be the frontrunner.

That leaves Turner as the elder statesman of the line even though his next snap for the Steelers will be his first.

“I think he fits in well,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “He’s a football lover. He’s the veteran guy of the group, and I’ve asked him to provide that guidance for the young people. Even though he’s new to us, he embraces that.”

Turner is the only one of the five linemen expected to start Sept. 12 at Buffalo that has participated in all four days of practice. Okorafor, Dotson and Banner each are dealing with injuries, and Green was excused from practice Saturday.

“Not only do I have to learn to get used to new guys, they have to get used to me,” Turner said. “I think it’s more positive than negative that more people are in there because you don’t know is available at all times. You have to make sure you have continuity with everybody. I’m embracing it and helping we get everybody back real soon.”

Turner already has made a lasting impression on first-year offensive coordinator Matt Canada. On the third day of camp, Turner approached Canada to discuss a mistake he made.

“I didn’t see (the mistake) on the side as we worked, and he came up and knew what it was and said it right away,” Canada said. “Obviously, a veteran like him who has played as well as he has, I think we’re very fortunate to have him, and I really like where he’s at. He’s worked very hard to not have those mistakes, and to be as efficient as he has been in three days is really a positive for us and him.”

Since he didn’t take part in offseason workouts with the Steelers, Turner is playing catch-up to his new teammates who also are trying to grasp first-year offensive line coach Adrian Klemm’s system.

“It’s definitely new,” he said. “That’s how things break. You always have to be adaptable and embrace change and challenges. I feel like they bring out the best in you, especially when it’s something you’re not comfortable with. You have to step out of your comfort zone and into something (new), which makes you work harder, makes you think more. It can be a little more advantageous to want to do something different.”

Turner is looking for a fresh start after his lone year with the Chargers. Acquired in an offseason trade, Turner missed seven of the first eight games with a groin injury. When he did take the field, he was graded as the Chargers’ worst offensive lineman by Pro Football Focus.

The Chargers cut Turner in March, and he remained out of work until after the Steelers concluded minicamp in June.

“When I first met the coaches, there was a good vibe,” he said. “The facilities are nice, and I can’t speak enough about the team. On paper, you can put this team and match it up with anybody. I feel like I had a really good opportunity to come here and do good things.”