Early 2021 NFL free agency rankings: George Kittle headlines top 70 players

48. Alejandro Villanueva, LT, Pittsburgh Steelers

Part of a stacked free agency class of offensive tackles, Villanueva is a quality starter that the Steelers might not have enough money to re-sign. A former member of the armed forces who served in Afghanistan, Villanueva is tough, loyal, and one of the best left tackles in the NFL.

The 6-9, 320-pound tackle began seeing starting time in 2015. He signed a four-year, $24 million deal with Pittsburgh in 2017 and proceeded to make two Pro Bowls. Nearing his 32nd birthday, Villanueva is only the 21st highest-paid left tackle in the league in terms of annual salary, according to Spotrac. His new deal should pay at least $10 million a year.

47. Philip Rivers, QB, Indianapolis Colts

Rivers signed a one-year, $25 million deal with the Colts this offseason. While the eight-time Pro Bowler led the Los Angeles Chargers to a 12-4 record in 2018 and put together a dark horse MVP candidacy, everything fell apart last season. Rivers threw 23 touchdowns to 20 interceptions and went 5-11 as a starter.

In the same vein as Cam Newton, it’s worth wondering whether Rivers is a starting-caliber quarterback anymore. He can rebound and produce a respectable season behind Indianapolis’ dominant offensive line, but the Colts don’t have as many receiving threats as the Chargers did. Either way, Rivers’ best days are behind him.

There’s a chance Rivers walks away from football once his current contract ends. The 38-year-old already agreed to become the head coach of St. Michael Catholic High School when he retires. A father of nine children with a post-playing career already lined up, it’s hard to say whether Rivers even wants to entertain signing another NFL contract.