OWINGS MILLS Md. — Offensive tackle Alejandro VillanuevaAfter seven NFL seasons, he announced his retirement Wednesday. This followed his time in the U.S. Army.
Villanueva (33), was a long-time left tackle who made two Pro Bowls. Pittsburgh SteelersProtecting yourself Ben RoethlisbergerSix years ago, he became blind. Villanueva called it quits after one disappointing season. Baltimore. He had difficulty replacing the All-Pro left tackle that was injured. Ronnie StanleyThe NFL's worst 17 sacks were allowed by this team last season.
Baltimore signed Villanueva to an $8 million guaranteed contract for a two-year, $14M contract. This was just three days after the draft. Villanueva was signed by the Ravens to replace and start at right tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who was traded for the Kansas City Chiefs. Stanley's season was ended abruptly after Week 1, when he sustained a left ankle injury. Villanueva had to switch to the left side for the remaining 16 games.
Villanueva performed well in the ground games last year. He ranked eighth in offensive tackles' run block win percentage (78.2%), and eighth overall in total run block wins. However, he had fallen one step in pass protection. His pass block win rate was 86.9% (45th out of tackles). In 2021, he had given up three more tackles than any other league player.
Villanueva, a former U.S. Army Ranger who served two tours of duty in Afghanistan, is now a retired U.S. Army Ranger. He was part two divisions, the 10th Mountain Division and the 75th Ranger Regiment before he became an NFL player.
The Ravens placed Villanueva on their reserve/retired roster. They also released a cornerback Tavon YoungBaltimore native, who struggled to stay sane during six years. These moves generated $11.8million in cap space.
