Denver Broncos: 2021 free agents with connections to watch for

Denver Broncos 2021 free agent targets with connections

3. Alejandro Villanueva, OT (Steelers)

The Denver Broncos have made a couple of acquisitions on the offensive line for former Mike Munchak players in Pittsburgh, but most of those moves have been modest ones.

It just so happens that one of the players who best exemplifies what kind of coach Munchak is is hitting the free agent market in 2021.

Alejandro Villanueva was an undrafted player in 2014 who was picked up by the Steelers in Munchak’s first year on the job with the team as offensive line coach. By his second NFL season, Villanueva had become a full-time starter for the Steelers.

At this point, he’s become a staple for them. His entire development was overseen by Munchak, so there’s an obvious history there between these two. The question is, is the fit right?

Villanueva has played the left tackle position and right now the Broncos’ primary question mark is on the right side. Will Ja’Wuan James be back for the 2021 season? At this point, that is the expectation, so would the Broncos be willing to spend the kind of money it would take to acquire Villanueva?

With as many teams as there are around the league needing help at the left tackle position, it’s hard to imagine Villanueva would want to switch sides of the line at this point in his career, but who knows how convincing Munchak can be?

As a bonus option here, fellow 2014 classmate Matt Feiler is also available in free agency. He didn’t come to the Steelers until 2015, but he is undoubtedly well-known by Munchak and can play on the right side. He could be a nice swing tackle option for the Broncos.