David DeCastro, Steelers Agree on New Contract: Details, Comments and Reaction

Right guard David DeCastro and the Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to terms Thursday on a six-year, $58.07 million contract extension that will keep the 26-year-old in the Steel City through 2021, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. 

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora confirmed the news and added that DeCastro's signing bonus will pay out $16 million. 

The Steelers provided a photo of DeCastro signing the contract:

The Steelers exercised DeCastro's fifth-year option worth a shade over $8 million in March, but the team made it a priority to lock up one of the foundational pieces of its offensive line before the 2016 season started. 

A first-round pick out of Stanford in 2012, DeCastro was forced to overcome hardship during his rookie campaign after suffering a torn MCL and dislocated kneecap in preseason action before his inaugural season ever got underway. 

And while he was limited to just four appearances in 2012, DeCastro bounced back and started all 15 games in which he was active a year later. Since then, DeCastro hasn't missed a regular-season game. 

As a result, he's evolved into an indispensable piece of the Steelers' protection scheme designed to keep quarterback Ben Roethlisberger upright. In fact, DeCastro was so good last season that he graded out as Pro Football Focus' sixth-ranked right guard (h/t Rotoworld) en route to his first Pro Bowl berth. 

DeCastro capped off his career year with an Associated Press First-Team All-Pro nod, and the stellar season propelled the mauler into a tier of elite offensive linemen.

"He is an absolute technician as a run-blocker, and anytime you see that counter player go for big yards, there’s a good chance that No. 66 has pulled and is leading the way," USA Today's Curt Popejoy wrote. "His ability to operate at the second level is rare for a man his size."

Now locked up for the long term, DeCastro could help anchor the right side of Pittsburgh's vaunted offensive line for years to come. Not only is the former Stanford standout in tow for the foreseeable future, but right tackle Marcus Gilbert is signed through the 2019 season as well. 

And considering center Maurkice Pouncey is also under contract through 2019, the Steelers should continue to handle opponents at the line of scrimmage as they seek to evolve into a full-fledged Super Bowl contender.