Villanueva says part of the motivation to come to the Ravens was to play the Steelers twice a year

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Former Steelers left tackle Alejandro Villanueva signed with the Ravens on a two-year, $14 million deal with $8 million fully guaranteed yesterday. The Ravens were previously reported to be closing in on a deal with Villanueva but wanted to wait until after May 3 so it wouldn't be a part of the compensatory formula.

Villanueva spoke with the Baltimore media today on signing with the Ravens and according to Jeff Zrebeic of The Athletic, Villanueva said, "It wasn't really a tough decision. Everybody from top bottom was pretty awesome. As advertised."

Villanueva also admitted that it's motivating to play the Steelers twice a year in the AFC North, but credited the organization for informing him early in the offseason they were headed in a new direction. So, I guess that disputes all the John Clayton reports that the Steelers were still interested in bringing Villanueva back after a few weeks in free agency passed by.

Villanueva also said that he doesn't foresee it being a problem going from left tackle to right tackle. The biggest challenge he feels is learning the playbook but looks forward to playing in a run-heavy offense like when he was at Army. "This playbook is more what I used to do in college," Villanueva said.

The Ravens have Ronnie Stanley at left tackle, so Villanueva will line up at right tackle, which means he'll face perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate T.J. Watt twice a year.