The commitment keeps the Dolphins' 2011 first-round pick in Miami through the 2020 season. Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins on Monday signed Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey to a contract extension that makes him the highest-paid center in the NFL.
The Dolphins also signed cornerback Zack Bowman to a one-year deal.
As reported Saturday, Pouncey’s five-year deal is worth $52.15 million, including $22 million guaranteed and an $11 million signing bonus. The commitment keeps the Dolphins’ 2011 first-round pick in Miami through the 2020 season.
The average of more than $10 million per season surpasses the contract of Pittsburgh Steelers center and twin brother Maurkice Pouncey, who averages $8.8 million per season.
Mike Pouncey, who made his second consecutive Pro Bowl last season, is entering his fifth season with the Dolphins. He had been due to earn $7.4 million in 2015 in the final year of his contract.
Pouncey played center for the Dolphins during the 2011-13 seasons but played predominantly at right guard in 2014, starting the final 12 games at that position. The Dolphins plan to move him back to center in 2015.
“We are excited that we were able to sign a contract extension with Mike,” general manager Dennis Hickey said in a release issued by the Dolphins. “He is a two-time Pro Bowler, with a team-first approach as evident by moving to guard last season while still playing at a high level. We are happy that he will stay in Miami and be a key member of our offense.”
Bowman, a seven-year veteran, could challenge for a starting position opposite Brent Grimes. He has started 28 games, including seven for the Chicago Bears in 2013 and five for the New York Giants in 2014.
Drafted in the fifth round by the Bears in 2008, he has 12 interceptions.
