PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed center Maurkice Pouncey to a $44-million contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2019 season.

The new deal averages $8.8 million per season, making Pouncey the highest-paid center in the NFL.

“We are excited to announce the contract extension for Maurkice to ensure he will be with the team through at least the 2019 season,” Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert said today. “He has been the anchor of our offensive line since he was drafted in 2010, and we are thrilled he will be with us for many years to come.”

Pouncey, who is in his fifth year in the NFL, was the Steelers first round draft pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

In his first four seasons, Pouncey has earned Associated Press All-Pro twice in 2010 and 2012, and was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three years, becoming the first center in league history to do that.