Villanueva: Facing Steelers 'motivated' Ravens deal

There's no love lost between new Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva and his former team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Villanueva said one reason that motivated him to sign with the Ravens this offseason was the chance to remain in the AFC North, which means he'll now face the Steelers at least twice a year.

"The fact that I knew the Ravens is a team that plays hard, a team that plays AFC North-type football, and I get a chance to play the Steelers as well was something that motivated me coming here for sure," Villanueva said Wednesday, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley.

Villanueva, who reportedly also generated interest from the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins, inked a two-year, $14-million deal with Baltimore on Tuesday after spending the previous seven campaigns in Pittsburgh. The two-time Pro Bowler started 90 games for the Steelers from 2015-20.

The 32-year-old apparently also took a shot at Steelers wide receiver and former teammate JuJu Smith-Schuster when asked about the Ravens' offense. Villanueva said it's better for him to play on Baltimore's run-first unit and added, "I'm assuming it's not as much fun for the receivers because they're not getting all of the catches, they're making the TikToks, and they're having fun on their social media."

Smith-Schuster was criticized for posting TikTok videos of himself dancing on opponents' midfield logo before road games last year. The 24-year-old's TikTok account currently has almost three million followers.

The Ravens led the NFL in rushing attempts and yards on the ground by a significant margin over the last three seasons.

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