Zach Banner announced his return to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Banner posted a video on his verified Twitter account Tuesday afternoon saying he will be returning to the team for the 2021 season. Banner, a 27-year-old tackle, was set to become an unrestricted free agent at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Banner’s two-year contract is worth a reported $9.5 million and includes a $3.25 million signing bonus.
“I wanted to be the first to tell you guys that Pittsburgh is going to be my home,” Banner said. “I’m really excited and grateful for the opportunity.”
Banner had a $1.75 million salary in 2020. He was named the team’s starting right tackle in training camp last year after winning a competition with Chuks Okorafor. Banner, however, tore his ACL late in the season opener at the New York Giants and was placed on injured reserve for the rest of the season.
Banner appeared in 14 games with the Steelers in 2019 and became popular for his role as the team’s blocking tight end and eligible receiver in the Jumbo package.
Banner could return to right tackle or shift to the left side. Alejandro Villanueva is a free agent and the Steelers lost tackle/guard Matt Feiler to the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency.
Let’s get to work... pic.twitter.com/OW0zfOobu0
— Zach Banner (@ZBNFL) March 16, 2021
