4 reasons Steelers Villanueva won’t be re-signed after 2020

Run blocking

While Villanueva has become one of the better pass protectors in the league, he has never been an exceptional run blocker. Though this has worked when the rest of the line was opening lanes for the running backs, it has become an issue when the rest of the line is struggling. It is no secret that the Steelers’ running game has been a weak point, and a huge reason for this is how poor the blockers have been this season.

With the Steelers likely adding a new running back to start for them in 2021, they will want some stronger run blockers to pair with him. While Villanueva is a top offensive lineman on the team, they opt for a younger and cheaper tackle that can provide more of a push when the team runs. Villanueva is a crafty pass blocker, but the team may save their money and seek out a better run blocker.

This doesn’t mean that Villanueva is a bad tackle. He is arguably having his best season as a starter this year, as he has rarely committed a penalty and has done well with limiting pressures and sacks. But the proof is there with the run blocking, as the Steelers rushing attack is one of the worst in the league. While that is more of a unit problem, it still doesn’t mean that Villanueva is excused from the problem. The team will likely begin transitioning to a run-heavy team with the decline of Ben Roethlisberger, meaning they may look to invest in better run blockers.