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

Other options at tackle

This is honestly the final nail in the coffin for Villanueva. While there is no other offensive tackle on this roster better than him, the team still has two serviceable options that they can rely on. Since taking over at right tackle, Chukwuma Okorafor has shown that he has what it takes to start in this league. Given his athleticism he has, he could be a natural fit at left tackle as well. While it would be a downgrade, financially, the Steelers may not have a choice.

This would leave a hole at right tackle, but no one should forget about Zach Banner as an option there. He initially won the job this season before tearing his ACL in the opening game. Given his injury, he will likely return to the team on an uber-cheap, one-year deal. It would be safe to assume he could regain his starting role on the right side. As well, the Steelers will likely add a tackle in the draft to keep some pressure on both of the young starters.

Again, relying on either Okorafor or Banner over Villanueva is a downgrade, but given what their difference in salaries will be, it will likely be a necessary move. The Steelers try and get younger and cheaper on the line while Villanueva scores on a final payday. It will be tough to see him leave, but there may not be much the team can do.

Villanueva is one of the true success stories in the NFL, and his Steelers career should be remembered for how good he developed in a short period of time. That said, he deserves to be paid as one of the top tackles in the league, and the Steelers won’t be able to afford him at that price. More than likely, Villanueva is playing his final games for the Steelers this season.