Turner: Steelers play smashmouth football taken on the South Side (Steelers)

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Trai Turner

The Steelers signed five-time Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner to a one-year deal after releasing David DeCastro following their minicamp. And though Turner missed the entire offseason program with the team, he has a pretty good idea of what the Steelers want to do in 2021.

Speaking on NFL Total Access on The NFL Network Tuesday, Turner said his decision to sign a one-year, $3-million deal to join the Steelers was an easy one.

"It's just one of those teams, one of those organizations that they always compete, always in the game, and play my style of football," Turner said. "They have a great quarterback at the head of the center, but they like to run the ball. That's something I'm excited about."

The Steelers might like to run the ball but they haven't done it very well the past couple of seasons, including ranking dead last in the NFL in 2020 when they averaged 84.4 yards per game, the team's lowest average since 1966.

But new offensive coordinator Matt Canada and offensive line coach Adrian Klemm have been trying to install a new mentality with what will be almost an entirely new offensive line and the addition of rookie running back Najee Harris.

That mentality?

"Smashmouth," Turner said. "Able to get out and pull, get in some space and run a little bit. Just have a little bit of fun, man. It's fun when you're throwing the touchdowns, but I think it's fun when you're able to run them too."

That would be music to the ears of many Steelers fans -- and team president Art Rooney II. Rooney was displeased with the team's ability to run the ball last season, firing offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner and offensive line coach Shaun Sarrett at season's end. Lead running back James Conner also was not brought back, leaving in free agency to join the Cardinals.

The Steelers also have moved on from four-fifths of their starting offensive line from a year ago. Chuks Okorafor, who started 15 games at right tackle, will slide over to the left side. But DeCastro was released, Maurkice Pouncey retired and Alejandro Villanueva and Matt Feiler both left in free agency.

Currently, the line will be Okorafor and Zach Banner at the tackle spots, Kevin Dotson and Turner at guard and a battle between J.C. Hassenauer, B.J. Finney and third-round draft pick Kendrick Green at center.

Turner, 28, was named to the Pro Bowl four times in five seasons with the Panthers, but was traded last offseason to the Chargers for left tackle Russell Okung. He played in just nine games with the Chargers in 2020 while dealing with a groin injury and was released at the end of the season.

The Steelers signed him after finding out DeCastro, their starter at right guard since 2012, needed a third surgery to repair bone spurs in his ankle and would not be ready to play for at least two months, which led to his release.

"I believe in my game. I think I'm a dominant run-blocker," Turner said. "I think I've shown that throughout the years. I'm just excited to come in and just be with the group of guys and learn, but also give out information, if that makes sense. Just go out there and compete. I think competing is the biggest thing. When you go out there and you compete, good things happen. So, I'm excited about it."

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