Sebastian Castro May Turn into The Subsequent Miles Killebrew

The Pittsburgh Steelers at all times roster a handful of special-teams targeted gamers. That was a theme beneath Invoice Cowher. Linebacker Clint Kriedwalt, vast receiver Sean Mory, cornerback Chidi Iwuoma. It’s confirmed true beneath Mike Tomlin. Huge receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, security Robert Golden, and linebacker Terence Garvin. Miles Killebrew is a kind of gamers on the crew’s 2025 roster, prone to change into a particular groups captain for a fourth season. Rookie security Sebastian Castro isn’t at the moment in that place however by 2026, he is perhaps.

There’s loads of Killebrew in Castro’s recreation. Bodily and plucky safeties who didn’t check nicely however present out higher on tape. Killebrew was an ungainly hybrid from a small college. Castro is smaller however an analogous athlete (he registered only a 4.37 RAS). Their strengths are of their physicality, tackling, and depth.

Killebrew can nonetheless play. However he’s 32 and coming into the final 12 months of his contract extension. Turning 33 earlier than subsequent season begins, 2025 might be his final. Like several ability place, particular teamers (specialists like kickers, punters, and snappers apart) don’t usually play into their mid-30s. Killebrew’s already overwhelmed the everyday shelf life.

Which means in search of his alternative. Castro matches the invoice. An intriguing UDFA from Iowa, Castro surged all through the summer time and confirmed up inside stadiums. At all times across the ball with hit energy and dependable method, he even spent a few of his time working at Killebrew’s main place. Castro logged time as the non-public protector of the punt protection crew, the quarterback of that unit. The participant in command of speaking the variety of potential rushers, the blocking scheme (normally declaring which means the PP and LS will block), and snapping the ball for the reason that punter is just too far-off to vocalize that decision.

Within the preseason opener, watch Castro (No. 29) run down this punt and make a powerful open subject sort out from his upback slot.

Castro is ready to spend his rookie 12 months on the observe squad. Solely accidents might open the door for him to be elevated. But when Castro appears reliable in observe and grows behind-the-scenes, he might take over for Killebrew subsequent 12 months. Castro can be in his second of three years on his rookie contract and nonetheless be a restricted free agent when his deal is over. He might be the following cog within the Steelers’ particular groups machine and change into a related participant within the 2026 roster.