Maurkice Pouncey inks rookie deal with Steelers

One of two former Florida Gators selected in the 2010 NFL Draft yet to sign with their team, center/guard Maurkice Pouncey agreed to a five-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday.

Pouncey, the No. 18 overall pick in the draft and 2009 Rimington Trophy winner, will earn $17.96 million over the life of his deal including $10.35 million in guaranteed money.

He is expected to start at right guard for the Steelers in 2010 before being transitioned to center in the future.

Pouncey joins fellow former Gators offensive lineman, left tackle Max Starks, on the team and helped Pittsburgh continue a streak of not having a rookie holdout since quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in 2004.

“Football is important to him,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said of Pouncey to the Associated Press. “This is a guy who’s committed to winning but doing what it takes to be a winner. He’s always been associated with winning, and we like those kind of guys and putting them into the mix.”

Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden, the draft’s No. 7 overall pick, is the only remaining Florida rookie yet to sign a professional contract.

OGGOA will update this story if further contract information is revealed.