Despite only being a reserve, there are few members of the Pittsburgh Steelers more universally loved than offensive tackle Zach Banner. Banner found his role last season as the team’s sixth offensive lineman in their run-heavy sets.
Every time the Steelers PA announcer says “No. 72 reporting as eligible” fans go crazy. Banner signed a one-year contract this offseason but according to him he was offered a longer deal and passed on it.
“They wanted me to sign for a couple of years but I just signed for one,” Banner said. “I just did a pancake, no pun intended. That’s when you flip it and you get a whole other side. A whole other opportunity.”
Read into that however you like but the bottom line is Banner is better on himself this season to play well enough to boost his value well past the $1.75 million he’s making this season.
The problem with the strategy is going to come down to playing time. At this point, there is no competition for either starting tackle position on the Steelers. Alejandro Villanueva will start on the left and Matt Feiler goes back to the right side.
