The makeup of the Steelers 2009 offensive line is quickly focusing into view as today Max Starks was signed to a 4-year contract. According to the Trib, the deal is worth $26.3 million, an average slightly less per season than what Starks made last year with the transition tag.

Here is the official release from the team:

        The Steelers signed six-year veteran offensive tackle Max Starks to a new four-year contract today that will keep him with the team through 2012. Financial terms of the deal were not released.

Starks, who is slated to play left tackle for the Steelers in 2009, was originally drafted by the team in the third round (75^th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft out of Florida. He began his career as a right tackle, making 30 consecutive regular season starts at the position from 2005-06, before missing the final two games in 2006 with a knee injury. Starks started 15 regular season games at left tackle from 2007-08, in place of injured starter Marvel Smith. He started at left tackle in all three 2008 postseason games, including Super Bowl XLIII.

Starks had been designated the Steelers transition player prior to the 2008 season and the team’s franchise player in 2009. By signing his new contract, Starks no longer carries the team’s franchise designation.

Starks has played in 72 games and made 45 starts during his NFL career. He currently ranks as the longest-tenured offensive lineman with the Steelers.