Report: Zach Banner signs one-year deal to remain with the Steelers

According to the Pittsburgh post-Gazette’s Ray Fitipaldo, and confirmed by Banner himself on Twitter, Steelers offensive tackle Zach Banner has signed a one-year deal to remain with the Steelers in 2020.

While some believed Banner would be offered on original-round tender as a restricted free agent, the Steelers have reportedly signed him for less then the $2.133 million tender it would have taken to keep Banner from hitting the market on Wednesday.

With the Steelers since 2018, Banner did not appear in a game with the Steelers his first season as he was often a game-day inactive. In 2019, Banner appeared in 14 games acting as the teams additional tight end for blocking purposes.

Embraced by Steelers’ Nation, Banner enters to cheers at Heinz Field whenever he reports as an eligible receiver. Unfortunately, Banner was not targeted at all in 2019 much to the dismay of Steelers’ fans.

Initially struggling to stay in the NFL due to weight issues, Banner found a new home and love for the game in Pittsburgh. The city has an embraced him not only for his play, but his fun antics both both with reports on Steelers.com and various other events. According to The Athletic’s Mark Koboly, his fun with the media is yet another example.

As for the 2020 season, Banner is only one of three offensive tackles under contract for the season. Along with Alejandro Villanueva and Chukwuma Okorafor, Banner will continue to battle for the swing tackle position. The Steelers also have Matt Feiler as a restricted free agent with whom they can can offer a tender by 4 PM on Wednesday.

Stay tuned to Behind The Steel Curtain for breaking news, player reports, and all things Pittsburgh Steelers.