The Pittsburgh Steelers did the expected when they signed tackle Zach Banner to a new contract after the fifth-year veteran won the starting right tackle job last season, even if he tore his ACL at the end of his first start. What was somewhat less predictable was the deal he signed.
Pittsburgh ultimately inked him to a two-year contract paying him close to $5 million per season. Given his injury and lack of starting experience, many were expecting him to sign a one-year deal for much less than that. After all, he signed for less than the restricted free agent tender amount last year, and since then he’s played 59 snaps.