Dolphins formally announce 5-year extension for Mike Pouncey
The Miami Dolphins officially announced center Mike Pouncey's five-year extension Monday, which includes $44.75 million in new money.
Pouncey will earn $11 million in 2015 and the deal includes $22 million in guarantees, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The deal was widely reported last week, but the two parties waited a few extra days to put pen to paper.
"It says a lot about them. They could have easily given up on me a long time ago," Pouncey told reporters. "But they stuck with me, and that's something I will never forget. It's something that I will bring to this facility every single day."
Though Pouncey played guard in 2014, he will move back to his natural position of center next season.
Pouncey was involved in a bullying scandal in 2013 when he, along with Richie Incognito and John Jerry, harassed offensive lineman Jonathan Martin. The former first-round pick said he's learned from the incident, and is using it as a teachable moment.
"It wasn't just one situation. It's just stuff I wish I could have done a lot better," Pouncey said. "I can only be a leader to these guys on this football team and show the young guys the right way. Because there's a right and wrong way to do stuff. If you do it the right way, stuff comes a lot easier."