PITTSBURGH — Offensive lineman Max Starks will return to the Pittsburgh Steelers after signing a one-year tender offer.

The deal with the unrestricted free agent was announced today.

Starks is the Steelers' top backup on the offensive line. He was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2004 NFL draft and has appeared in 56 career games with 34 starts. He is expected to compete for a starting job in camp.

Starks had been designated by the Steelers as a transition player, which gave the team the right to match any offer he received from other teams.