When Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II announced that Ben Roethlisberger's deal would not be extended until 2015, he cited more pressing issues with nucleus players entering contract years.
The Steelers extended one of those young talents on Tuesday, announcing a new contract with Marcus Gilbert that will keep the right tackle in Pittsburgh through the 2019 season.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports via a source involved that Gilbert's new pact is for $30 million over five years.
The No. 63 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Gilbert has started 34 of a possible 48 games through three NFL seasons. He beat out 2012 second-round pick Mike Adams at right tackle, becoming just the second Steelers offensive lineman over the past three seasons to start all 16 games at the same position.
After a half-decade of injuries, uncertainty and subpar play, the Steelers' rebuilt offensive line surrendered just seven sacks in the final seven games of the 2013 season.
The lucrative new contracts for Gilbert and center Maurkice Pouncey prove the organization is making it a priority to maintain stability up front as Roethlisberger enters the twilight of his career.
The latest "Around the League Podcast" recaps all of the action from the second week of the preseason.
