Offensive Tackle: Alejandro Villanueva, Pittsburgh Steelers
Contract: Four years, $24 million with $6.5 million guaranteed
Undrafted out of Army, Alejandro Villanueva tried out with the Cincinnati Bengals as a tight end in 2010 but didn’t make the roster. He also tried with the Chicago Bears but then left for tours in the Army after not making their team either.
In 2014, he was back trying out for the NFL as a defensive end, this time with the Philadelphia Eagles. Eventually that same year, he landed with the Pittsburgh Steelers where Mike Tomlin moved him to offensive tackle. He’s started 58 of 64 games played since then and is a two-time Pro Bowl player. Despite his accolades, Villanueva makes only a fraction of what other blindside protectors make per season.
Offensive Tackle: Greg Robinson, Cleveland Browns
Contract: One year, $7 million with $500,000 guaranteed
From draft bust to underpaid, Greg Robinson has had quite the ride in his NFL career. After going second overall in 2014 to the Rams, Robinson was unable to secure a spot on their roster. He was moved from tackle to guard as they looked for a fit and in 2017, he was traded to the Detroit Lions.
Injuries limited him there and he was on the move again in 2018. Robinson found a home with the Cleveland Browns as a reserve tackle but after Desmond Harrison struggled, Robinson took the job over after eight games. He started the remainder of the season and played well enough to earn a one-year “prove-it” deal. He could end up earning a lot more but as of now, he’s underpaid based on what he did the final eight games last season.