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In a move many were expecting, Steelers right tackle Zach Banner has signed a deal to stay in Pittsburgh according to a video he posted on Twitter.
Let’s get to work... pic.twitter.com/OW0zfOobu0
— Zach Banner (@ZBNFL) March 16, 2021
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts, Banner did not make the team his rookie season as they attempted to get him onto the practice squad. Picked up off of waivers by the Cleveland Browns, Banner appeared in eight games where he played 27 offensive of snaps and 18 special team snaps. Waved in the offseason as he struggled with weight issues, Banner was briefly claimed by the Carolina Panthers as he was released before training camp. Signed by the Steelers during training camp in 2018, Banner did not see the field for the Steelers until 2019 where he appeared in 14 games with one start and had 216 offensive snaps, mainly as the jumbo tight end.
Signing a one-year deal in 2020 for $1.75 million, Banner was betting on himself to win the starting right tackle job in Pittsburgh and cash in on a bigger payday for 2021. Unfortunately, Banner was lost for the season in Week 1 to an ACL injury.
Rumored to even be in the mix at left tackle for the Steelers, it will be interesting to see where Banner lands across the offensive line coming off of his injury. Regardless, Zach Banner now gives the Steelers more than one tackle under contract for 2021 as the only player from last season’s 53-man roster under contract is Chukwuma Okorafor.
According to NFL Network‘s Aditi Kinkhabwala, Banner’s deal is for two years at $9.5 million.
You know what rocks? When a guy who works his tail off, genuinely cares about people and makes everyone smile GETS PAID. It’s a 2 year, $9.5M deal, including a $3.25M signing bonus, for #Steelers OT Zach Banner. https://t.co/zBuepd0BeC
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) March 16, 2021
Depending on the exact breakdown of the base salary for each season, it looks as if Banner’s contract will count at least $2.625 million on the 2021 salary cap and could go as high as $3.125 million based on the reported signing bonus of $3.25 million.
UPDATE: Other numbers have since been released in regards to Banner’s contract. According Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle, the deal is for $9.775 million. The salary cap number for 2021 ends up being $3.15 million.
Zach Banner (Steelers) two years, $9.775M, $3.25M gtd in his signing bonus, salaries $!.525M, $5M
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 16, 2021
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