The 2005 first-round pick was scheduled to make $3.9 million in base salary and $1 million as a roster bonus. By making the move, the Chargers clear all but $1.025 million of his $6 million cap number for 2012.
Castillo played just three quarters of the 2011 season opener before missing the next 15 games with a fractured leg. He will turn 29 this August, so one would think he has plenty of football left in him, but he's played a full 16-game schedule just twice in his career and appears to be on the decline.
Some outlets are reporting that Chargers general manager A.J. Smith is willing to bring Castillo back with a cheaper contract. It's more likely that his days are done in San Diego, however, as it's time for both parties to move on.
Castillo's departure means fourth-year veteran Vaughn Martin will take his spot in the starting lineup. The 6-4, 308-pound Martin recorded 47 tackles and a sack in 2011.
In addition to Martin, second-year defensive end Corey Liuget, a 2011 first-round pick, is expected to continue to progress and make more of an impact next season. Veteran Jacques Cesaire also adds depth to the defensive end position, and Tommie Harris, who's scheduled to become a free agent next week, is expected to be brought back. Still, don't be surprised if Smith grabs a defensive end prospect at some point in April's draft.
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