Steelers LT Villanueva inks four-year extension

Jul 27, 2017 - 7:56 PM Left tackle Alejandro Villanueva signed a four-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers and will report to training camp on the first day of mandatory workouts Thursday in Latrobe, Pa.

A two-year starter, Villanueva was without a contract until the deal was finalized because he opted not to sign a one-year tender for $615,000 as an exclusive rights free agent. The 28-year-old worked out with the team throughout the offseason despite the contract matter, which can be forgotten now that he's ready to roll.

Terms of the deal were not immediately known, but 14 NFL left tackles are paid at least $10 million per season.

Running back Le'Veon Bell, who has yet to sign his $12.12 million franchise tag tender, did not report Thursday in time for a conditioning test with the Steelers after hinting at a preseason holdout.

Villanueva, the former Army Ranger who served three tours in Afghanistan and was a Bronze Star recipient, said in the offseason he never worries about the financial side of football.

He entered the NFL as a defensive end with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014. He was eventually picked up by the Steelers only after coach Mike Tomlin suggested it based on the 6-foot-9 Villanueva standing out during the playing of the national anthem before a preseason game.

"I don't focus about contracts. I come from very little money in my family. I've spent most of my time in the military so I'm institutionalized about the ways I spend my money," he said. "My agent will make a decision and let me know. He's the guy I trusted when I got cut from Philly. He taught me the steps about how to get me back on my feet."

One transaction this week that might have helped push Villanueva's deal across the line was the two-year, $15.7 million contract extension the Dallas Cowboys gave La'el Collins. Collins, undrafted out of LSU, was moved to right tackle in the offseason to compensate for the retirement of Doug Free.

"It's not a fun process," Villanueva said during OTA workouts. "It's not something I like to go through. ... From my end, I've been extremely fortunate where I am. I've been to Afghanistan three times. A lot of service members have died next to me protecting my life. Being here is a blessing. I've won 10 lotteries already. If I get a percentage of the lottery on top, it is what it is. If not, it's something I can live with.

"I'm not the best at making decisions, but I feel very comfortable making decisions. It's a process. I'm very thankful to the Steelers and their treatment. They've always been very respectful. The only thing I can do is show that respect back."

With Villanueva back in the fold, the Steelers return all five starters to their offensive line.