Pittsburgh Steelers: Predictions for key contracts that expire in 2021

Alejandro Villanueva, LT

A decorated military veteran, Villanueva joined the Steelers in 2014. Villanueva played along the defensive line, offensive line, and as a wide receiver at Army, and he did not get drafted out of school. Villanueva saw starting time with the Steelers in 2015 but became the full-time starter fans know today in 2016.

In July 2017, Villanueva signed a four-year, $24 million contract extension with Pittsburgh. He made the next two Pro Bowls but did not receive the honor for 2019. Villanueva started every game over the past four seasons.

Left tackles are extremely hard to find in the NFL. Even if fans can name six or eight prominent left tackles, you’ll notice it’s the same six to eight guys every season. That’s because it’s ridiculously hard to find the next Pro Bowl tackle in the draft, and it’s insanely expensive to sign an established left tackle in free agency. Pittsburgh should cherish Villanueva.

This time next year, Villanueva will be 32 years old. Joe Thomas retired after his age 33 season. Joe Staley made his last Pro Bowl during his age-33 season. For Jason Peters, his last trip came after his age-34 season. However, there are players like Andrew Whitworth, who was a First-Team All-Pro at age 36.

Villanueva signed a bad contract in 2017. While he is making six million dollars a year on average, Taylor Lewan is making $16 million per season on his current deal. Likewise, Jake Matthews makes $14.5 million per year. Even Jason Peters, who is far past his prime, signed a one-year restructured deal worth $6 million with Philadelphia last offseason.

While the Steelers should extend Villanueva because of how hard it is to find quality left tackles, the former Pro Bowler may ask for more money than Pittsburgh can pay. Keep in mind, Villanueva is in for a major raise even if he isn’t a Pro Bowl-caliber player. However, the Steelers cannot walk away from a player like Villanueva.

Predicted action – extended