The Steelers have had a hard time finding good offensive linemen in recent years. When they do, they hold on to them.
The latest lineman onto whom the Steelers will be holding is right tackle Marcus Gilbert. The team has announced that Gilbert is under contract through 2019. Per a league source, Gilbert signed a five-year, $30 million extension.
“It means I am locked in hopefully as a Steeler for the rest of my career,” Gilbert told the team’s official website. “It’s a blessing to work for a great organization, the Rooney family, Kevin Colbert and Coach [Mike] Tomlin. Just to be around in Pittsburgh, where they show you so much love, I couldn’t be happier and in a better place.”
Gilbert, a second-round pick in 2011, has started 34 of 35 games in three seasons with the Steelers. With Maurkice Pouncey also under contract through 2019, it puts 40 percent of the starting offensive line under contract.