Steelers draft pick Keeanu Benton makes NFL history with rookie contract
In what was an impressive NFL Draft class for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Keeanu Benton stands out in a number of ways. The former Wisconsin Badger is a do-it-all defensive tackle with the collegiate production and athleticism of a future long-term starter in the NFL. The Steelers will gladly take that career outcome after selecting him […]
In what was an impressive NFL Draft class for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Keeanu Benton stands out in a number of ways. The former Wisconsin Badger is a do-it-all defensive tackle with the collegiate production and athleticism of a future long-term starter in the NFL.
The Steelers will gladly take that career outcome after selecting him in the middle of the second round. Benton sticking around as a centerpiece beyond his rookie contract will also net him higher earnings than a typical second-round selection.
Before that happens, Benton will receive something no one in his position has ever earned.
The Steelers officially signed Benton to his four-year rookie deal Friday morning, and Benton's representation was able to sweeten the deal a bit by creating a precedent for future draft picks.
Per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Benton has guaranteed money in the third year of his contract, which has never been the case with any 49th overall pick in league history.
Guaranteed money in rookie contracts beyond the first two years have almost exclusively been for first-round picks since the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement came into fruition.
Second-round selections have become accustomed to second-year guarantees, and sometimes beyond that the closer they are to being picked in the first round. A good example would be Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer, the 35th overall pick in this year's draft whose contract includes fully guaranteed salaries for the first three years, along with a partially guaranteed fourth-year salary.
Benton landing in the middle of the round and receiving any guarantees beyond the first two deals is significant, as it sets precedent for future picks in that range to receive the same.
It's also a sign that the Steelers are very comfortable in projecting Benton as a quality player for the life of the deal. The rookie is set to immediately contribute by playing alongside Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi.
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