The Pittsburgh Steelers have made another major investment in their defensive front, agreeing to a four-year, $72 million contract extension with defensive tackle Keeanu Benton. The deal, reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, is worth $18 million per season and makes Benton the highest-paid defensive lineman in Steelers history on an annual basis.
For Pittsburgh, the move represents a significant vote of confidence in a player who has steadily developed since being selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Benton entered the league as a promising interior defender out of Wisconsin, but his development has accelerated over his first three seasons. He has played all 17 games in each of his first three NFL seasons and has accumulated 123 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 28 quarterback hits and 7.5 sacks during that span. His biggest jump came in 2025, when he recorded career highs of 51 tackles and 5.5 sacks.
That breakout season appears to have convinced the Steelers that Benton should be part of their long-term defensive plans.
The timing of the extension is also notable. Benton was entering the final season of his rookie contract and was scheduled to make less than $2 million in 2026. Instead of allowing him to reach free agency, Pittsburgh chose to secure him now, potentially avoiding an even more expensive negotiation next offseason.
Benton’s versatility is an important part of the equation. He has traditionally been asked to handle difficult work against the run while also providing interior pressure. The Steelers will be hoping he can take another step as a pass rusher, particularly with the possibility of moving him into situations where he can attack opposing guards and centers more aggressively.
Benton himself has set an ambitious target for the upcoming season, saying he wants to reach eight to 10 sacks. After producing 5.5 sacks last year, reaching that number would provide an immediate return on Pittsburgh’s investment.
The extension also continues an interesting trend for the Steelers’ 2023 draft class. Pittsburgh has now reached long-term agreements with Benton, tight end Darnell Washington and edge rusher Nick Herbig. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. remains the major unresolved member of that draft class and could command a significant contract of his own.
There is understandable risk whenever a team commits $72 million to a player with only one truly standout statistical season. Benton will now have substantial expectations attached to his name. The Steelers aren’t simply paying him for what he has done—they’re betting on what he can become.
At 25, however, Pittsburgh is betting on a young defensive lineman entering what should be the prime of his career.
The Steelers have long built their identity around dominant defensive fronts, and this extension fits that philosophy perfectly. Benton is now being paid as a foundational piece rather than a developing prospect.
The next challenge is simple: prove the Steelers made the right bet.
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