There has been speculation in the past couple weeks that the Steelers may get a long-term deal done with tackle Marcus Gilbert. According to Pittsburgh Post Gazette's Ed Bouchette, this may develop into more than just speculation.
#Steelers trying to sign OT Marcus Gilbert to contract extension. Could be done this week
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) August 11, 2014
Gilbert, a former second round pick, has been inconsistent thus far in his career. Forced into the starting lineup week 2 of the 2011 season after Willie Colon went down, Gilbert has seen extensive time at the right tackle position in his young career.
Injured for over 10 games in 2012, Gilbert played almost every offensive snap last season. Reports out of camp recently have been very encouraging for Gilbert, especially comments from former Steelers offensive lineman Craig Wolfley.
We're seeing, I think, the emergence of what they thought they had when they drafted him, what he could be, and he's starting to really become that block of granite that you want.
The play of Gilbert is encouraging, and it appears to be encouraging enough to the Steelers front office as they look to give a contract extension to another offensive lineman formally of the University of Florida.