Ravens OT Alejandro Villanueva announces retirement

The Baltimore Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson have yet to agree to an expected contract extension, but the 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player now knows he'll be without a familiar face as part of his protective line the next time he takes the field against an opposing defense. 

Per Clifton Brown of the Ravens' website, veteran offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva has officially announced his retirement as an active player. As a result, Baltimore placed the 33-year-old on the reserve/retirement list. 

Villanueva made his pro debut with the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2015 season after completing multiple Army tours in Afghanistan, and he evolved into a mainstay of Pittsburgh's offensive line and earned Pro Bowl honors for the 2017 and 2018 seasons. With the Steelers facing salary-cap difficulties last spring, he ultimately joined the Ravens in free agency and quickly proved his worth to his new employer. 

Villanueva made one start for Baltimore at right tackle before Ronnie Stanley went down with an ankle injury that kept him out through the remainder of the campaign. Following that setback, Villanueva shifted back to left tackle, where he played in each of the following 16 contests. 

The Ravens will save $6 million in salary-cap space thanks to Villanueva calling time on his career.