Pittsburgh Steelers Sign Center Maurkice Pouncey To Contract Extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Thursday that they have signed Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey to an extension. The new contract is six years at $48 million.

Pouncey will earn $20.25 million in total bonuses. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, he will make $1 million this season and will be $3.6 million against the salary cap.

“I was just telling coach Tomlin outside, ‘It seems like five years over again,’ ” Pouncey said at his press conference. “I’m ready to start this path and help this team get back to where we need to get back to and I’m excited about the new venture and it’s a really awesome feeling. Words can’t really say enough about this.”

Pouncey was entering the final year of his contract but with this deal is now signed through the 2019 season. He was the Steelers first round selection in in 2010 after playing at the University of Florida and coach Urban Meyer.

“I’ve been doing this a long time and he’s only the second guy that I’ve had start as a true freshman,” Meyer said in 2008. “It’s hard to do and he did it.”

In four seasons, Pouncey has played 46 games. He played all 16 games in 2010, his rookie season, but has not been able to since. He was placed on injured reserve after week one last season when David DeCastro accidentally dove on Pouncey’s right leg.

“If Mr. Rooney blesses me, it will be a dream come true,” said Pouncey, to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review in June. “I want to stay in Pittsburgh my whole career, and it’s on them, man. I’m here every day working, there’s loyalty with them and I think they’ll do the right thing.”

Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert spoke for ownership when he stated how pleased he was to lock up Pouncey.

“He has been the anchor of our offensive line since he was drafted in 2010, and we are thrilled he will be with us for many years to come,” said Colbert.