Steelers put trade rumors surrounding budding star to bed following massive contract extension in Pittsburgh
And then there was one. All but one up-and-coming Steelers defender has yet to be paid this offseason after the big-time breaking news late on Friday night in Pittsburgh.
The deal is done. It’s not Joey Porter Jr., but the Pittsburgh Steelers have locked up another young ascending talent along their defensive front. Interior defensive lineman Keeanu Benton has agreed to a 4-year, $72 million contract, making him the highest-paid player at his position in Steelers history. His new money average of $18 million per year will match what Cam Heyward earns, cementing Benton’s place as a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s defense for years to come and putting an end to any ill-informed speculation about Pittsburgh moving off of him.
Keeanu Benton 2025 stats
- 51 total tackles
- 5.5 sacks
- 1 forced fumble
Why this deal makes sense for the Steelers
I understand there are going to be Steelers fans who look at this number and call it a massive overpay. There are going to be others who see it as a smart play for the future. I’m in the latter camp, and here’s why.
When Benton plays the right position, when he’s not asked to be a nose tackle two-gapping and taking on centers and guards at the point of attack, he is one of the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL. He might not carry the notoriety of a Chris Jones or the public recognition that comes with a name like Aaron Donald, but Benton as a one-gap penetrator, as a player who can get upfield and rush a passer from an interior alignment, is one of the best young defensive linemen we have in this league.
That talent is precisely why the Steelers made this commitment.
A long play for Pittsburgh’s defensive future
This contract is also about what comes next. If you’ve watched the Steelers during training camp and even into the preseason, you’ve seen them tinker with a defensive line trio that features Yahya Black in the middle at nose tackle, with Derrick Harmon and Benton flanking him as the two tackles/ends. That alignment tells you everything about where Pittsburgh’s thinking is headed.
As good as Heyward has been, and as good as he still is, Hayward isn’t going to play forever. Benton will slot into that Hayward role when the time comes. The Steelers are making sure that transition happens by securing one of their better up-and-coming talents for a long time.
The bottom line
The way I see it, this is a significant move by the Steelers and a well-earned payday for Benton. His new money average of $18 million per year places him among the top interior defensive linemen in the league from a compensation standpoint. Pittsburgh is investing in a player whose ceiling as a pass rusher from the interior could make this deal look like a bargain in two years.
Big-time move by the Steelers. Big-time move for Benton.
