There may finally be some long-term stability at the offensive line.
According to Bob Labriola of Steelers.com, tackle Marcus Gilbert has signed a 6-year deal with the team.
It's done. Marcus Gilbert signed a six-year deal binding him to the @Steelers through 2019 season when he will be 31 years old.
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) August 19, 2014
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the overall value of Gilbert's contract shortly after.
Steelers giving OT Marcus Gilbert a 5-year, $30 million extension.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 19, 2014
Gilbert, a former 2nd-round pick out of the University of Florida joins his former Gator teammate Maurkice Pouncey as a Steeler for years to come.
The Steelers forced Gilbert into the starting lineup the second game of his rookie season against the Seahawks after Willie Colon's season ended due to injury in Week 1. While Gilbert missed most of 2012 due to injury, he came back in 2013 and played almost every offensive snap.
Gilbert is happy to have come off of a healthy season, but he has an even bigger reason to be happy now that he gets to be part of the Steelers organization for what he see's as a long time from what he told Teresa Varley of Steelers.com
"It means I am locked in hopefully as a Steeler for the rest of my career," said Gilbert. "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."
More than anything, this deal is a vote of confidence from hall of fame offensive line coach Mike Munchak. Munchak obviously liked what he saw from Gilbert this offseason and that was enough for the Steelers to keep him with the team through 2019.