Could Alejandro Villanueva be headed to the Ravens?
Perhaps. According to a report from Ian Rapoport, Villanueva will visit with the Ravens later this week as Baltimore readies itself to perhaps move on from tackle Orlando Brown.
A piece of interesting free agent news: #Steelers FA OT Alejandro Villanueva is set to visit the #Ravens this week, league source said. With some moving parts on Baltimore’s O-line, they plan to check out Villanueva in person.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 19, 2021
Villanueva, an unrestricted free agent, has had a slow market thus far in free agency, at least in part because of the depth of players available at offensive tackle in this draft. But the Steelers have remained in contact with their long-time starting left tackle.
Brown moved from right to left tackle last season after regular starter Ronnie Stanley suffered a broken leg in a game against the Steelers last season. Stanley has since had multiple surgeries to repair the leg and it's questionable whether he will be ready to play at the start of the 2021 season.
But Brown has also stated that he would like to be a starting left tackle in the league and that if that can't happen in Baltimore, he would like to be traded.
That would free up an immediate opening for an offensive tackle on the Ravens' line. Villanueva, 32, has started 90 consecutive games for the Steelers at left tackle.
But the Steelers might not bring the veteran back if they add an offensive tackle high in the draft, which will be held next week. The Steelers have already re-signed free agent tackle Zach Banner and brought in free agent Joe Haeg at the position, while Chuks Okorafor, who started 15 games at right tackle last season returns.
In order for the Steelers to receive a potential compensatory pick if Villanueva signs with Baltimore, he would have to sign his deal by April 27.