Tim Benz: Alejandro Villanueva not thinking about future, but Steelers may have to - TribLIVE

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Steelers tackle Alejandro Villanueva addressed Pittsburgh media members for the first time since the highly publicized “helmet tape incident” at MetLife Stadium during the season-opening win against the New York Giants.

One has to wonder how many more times Villanueva will speak publicly as a member of the Steelers.

Not just this year but maybe ever.

With NFL player interviews in 2020 reduced to weekly Zoom sessions, players aren’t as accessible as they normally are in the locker room. Hence Villanueva going two full weeks without addressing the clamor he created by taping over the name of Antwon Rose with that of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe.

Because his explanation was the main story coming out of Villanueva’s rare Q&A, his decision to address an actual on-field question didn’t get as much attention.

Might this be his last season playing in Pittsburgh — or in the NFL at all?

Villanueva’s contract expires at the end of the season. He’s 32, certainly young enough to get another contract somewhere or stay in Pittsburgh after a pay cut.

But certainly old enough to walk away after seven full seasons and roughly $25 million in earnings if he is so inclined.

And it sounds like Villanueva may be conflicted.

The West Point product was asked whether he was the kind of person who would have to be dragged away from football or whether he is someone who may walk away when he stopped having fun.

“Probably the latter one,” Villanueva said quickly.

Then recalling how he got into the NFL, Villanueva admitted it would be difficult to give up the sport.

He went undrafted in 2010, then served in the Army before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014. After he was waived, the Steelers signed him on Aug. 31, 2014.

“I don’t look at myself as drafted or undrafted. I look at myself as someone who was auditioning as an ‘American Idol’ type of opportunity to play in the NFL. It is very difficult to give that up once you’ve fought so hard for it,” Villanueva said.

Many have wondered whether Villanueva would retire after his current contract. There has been little buzz about an extension. Maybe that’s because the Steelers don’t want to lock up any more money in Villanueva long term at a hefty ticket.

Villanueva may not be an elite left tackle, but he’s a good one. And the going rate for veteran free agents at that position with his resume is steep. Probably too steep for a team such as the Steelers with salary-cap concerns in 2021. So they may be looking at other options.

Or maybe things have been mum on that front because Villanueva wants to walk away while he’s still young and in good health.

During the interview, Villanueva discussed how issues facing military veterans are important to him. He earned a degree from West Point. He even finished an MBA from Carnegie Mellon during his playing career in Pittsburgh.

Not to mention that between the helmet situation and the national anthem controversy in 2017, Villanueva has found himself challenged over how to appropriately show support for the military while also being sensitive to social justice causes.

Something that a few seem to feel he’s failed to navigate properly. Something that others feel he’s been unfairly forced to address.

That’s an issue that isn’t going anywhere over the next few years.

So 32 might be old enough to hang up the pads and pursue other interests.

“I’m not sure what the future holds at this time,” Villanueva said. “Thankfully for the Steelers not having (contract negotiations) during the season, it’s something I don’t have to think about right now.”

The Steelers probably are at least thinking about it, though.

Because of Zach Banner’s injury at right tackle, they’ll have a long look at Chuks Okorafor on that side of the line of scrimmage. He’s been good in two games as the starter against the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans. Former NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt of Houston didn’t register a sack against him and wound up with just one solo tackle.

We know Matt Feiler can handle right tackle. So maybe those two are the bookends in 2021, and promising rookie guard Kevin Dotson assumes Feiler’s left guard spot. Or Stefen Wisniewski could go to left guard should he get healthy from his pectoral injury.

Another option is to leave Feiler and David DeCastro as the guards and have Okorafor and Banner take over at tackle.

Whatever the case, a less expensive and equally productive in-house option at left tackle would be beneficial to the Steelers, even if Villanueva wants to keep playing.

That’s because this team also is potentially looking at the need to replace — or pay — the likes of Feiler, Banner, JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Conner, Bud Dupree and Mike Hilton.

Just to name a few.

The decision to continue playing is 100% Villanueva’s. If he doesn’t keep his job in Pittsburgh, he’ll find one elsewhere and be paid handsomely.

The decision to keep playing in Pittsburgh, though, may not be his and may not even be the Steelers’ given their cap constraints.

Most “American Idol” contestants don’t make it through one season. Villanueva is on track to last seven. Barring injury, he’ll have at least 13 more acts to perform in black and gold before deciding whether it’s time to drop the curtain.

Or find another stage.

But the Steelers have some other performers waiting in the wings.

Tim Benz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tim at tbenz@triblive.com or via Twitter. All tweets could be reposted. All emails are subject to publication unless specified otherwise.

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