by Laura Keeley, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette , Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

He was the Steelers' second-highest paid player last season, even though he began the year as a reserve. But, for the past two years, the Steelers have prevented him from becoming an unrestricted free agent. He earned $6.9 million last season as the team's transition player and was labeled the franchise player in February, setting him up to earn $8,451,000 this season, the average salary of the NFL's top five offensive linemen. With the announcement of his new contract, Starks no longer carries the team's franchise tag and the team created about $2 million in salary-cap room for this year.

Starks is the longest-tenured offensive lineman with the Steelers and is slated to return to the starting lineup and play left tackle. He started the final 14 games last season, including the Super Bowl, at left tackle in place of the injured Marvel Smith. He began his career at right tackle after the Steelers drafted him out of Florida in the third round (75th overall) and was the starter from 2005-06. He lost his job to Willie Colon before the start of the 2007 season.

The Steelers also announced the retirement of cornerback Fernando Bryant.

Bryant, a 10-year NFL veteran who signed with the Steelers Nov. 11, 2008, after being released by the New England Patriots at the end of training camp, saw action in two regular-season games.

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