5 free-agent offensive tackles the Panthers should target in 2021
By Dean Jones
Alejandro Villanueva
- 2020 team – Pittsburgh Steelers
Another team having to make some substantial sacrifices to their roster to comply with the new financial sum available is the Pittsburgh Steelers. This is an organization entering the final season of their Super Bowl window with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and even though they began the 2020 season with an 11-0 record, there weren’t many analysts who felt they had enough to win another Vince Lombardi Trophy.
One player who won’t be around in 2021 is Alejandro Villanueva. The experienced tackle is an unrestricted free agent and despite his age, there appears to be plenty left in the tank where the former Army standout is concerned.
Villanueva worked exceptionally hard to carve out a successful career for himself after going undrafted. He gave up three sacks and conceded four penalties from 1,097 offensive snaps last season to secure a creditable 74.6 grade from Pro Football Focus, so if the Carolina Panthers opt to go with experience over youth on their blindside, he should be on the shortlist.
As is the case with almost every decision made this offseason, much will depend on the sort of money Villanueva is commanding. Spotrac projects the player to make an annual salary of $16.5 million on a three-year, $49.66 million deal when he heads to the bargaining table with potential suitors, which would be a little too rich for Carolina’s blood.