Steelers Lock Up Benton on Massive 4-Year, $72M Deal
Steelers Lock Up Rising Star Keeanu Benton with Historic $72 Million Deal
The Big News: Pittsburgh Pays Their Young Defensive Star
Important Point: The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed defensive tackle Keeanu Benton to a massive 4-year, $72 million contract extension. That’s $18 million per year — making him the highest-paid defensive lineman in Steelers history!
Who Is Keeanu Benton?
Think of Benton as a young, powerful anchor for the Steelers’ defense. Here’s what you need to know:
- Drafted: 2023, 2nd round (one of two 2nd-round picks that year)
- Position: Defensive tackle (the big guys in the middle of the defense)
- Breakout Season (2025):
- 5.5 sacks (tackling the quarterback behind the line)
- 51 tackles (stopping ball carriers)
- Both were career highs
Why This Deal Matters
1. Rewarding Homegrown Talent
Benton was drafted and developed by the Steelers. This contract shows they believe in their own scouting and coaching.
2. New Role, New Opportunities
- Old System: Primarily a nose tackle (lines up right over the center, clogs the middle)
- New System (DC Patrick Graham): Moving to defensive end on the interior line
- What this means: More freedom to attack, penetrate, and make plays — not just hold ground
3. Part of a Bigger Trend
Benton isn’t the only 2023 draft pick getting paid. His draft classmates are cashing in too:
| Player | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Nick Herbig | Outside Linebacker | Extension signed |
| Darnell Washington | Tight End | Extension signed |
| Keeanu Benton | Defensive Tackle | Extension signed (NEW!) |
| Joey Porter Jr. | Cornerback | Next in line (currently injured) |
What About Joey Porter Jr.?
The Steelers’ other 2023 2nd-round pick (Porter Jr.) is expected to get an extension soon, but there’s a catch:
Important Point: Porter Jr. is on the PUP List (Physically Unable to Perform) after aggravating a back injury during the team’s first mobility workout of training camp. He hasn’t practiced yet.
Step-by-Step: How This Happened
- 2023 Draft: Steelers select Benton (DT) and Porter Jr. (CB) in 2nd round
- 2024 Season: Benton breaks out with 5.5 sacks, 51 tackles
- 2025 Offseason: New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham arrives
- Scheme Change: Benton moves from nose tackle → interior defensive end
- August 2026: Steelers reward Benton with 4-year, $72M extension
- Next Up: Extensions for Herbig, Washington done; Porter Jr. pending health
Why Fans Should Be Excited
- Core locked in: Young defensive foundation secured for years
- Smart investment: Paying a player before he hits free agency usually saves money
- Scheme fit: Graham’s system should maximize Benton’s athleticism
- Culture: Rewarding drafted players builds loyalty and attracts future talent
Summary
The Steelers made a statement move by signing Keeanu Benton to a 4-year, $72 million extension ($18M/year) — a franchise record for a defensive lineman. The 2023 2nd-round pick had a breakout 2025 season (5.5 sacks, 51 tackles) and is set for an expanded role in new DC Patrick Graham’s defense. He joins fellow 2023 draftees Nick Herbig and Darnell Washington as early extension recipients, while Joey Porter Jr. awaits his turn once healthy.
FAQ
Q: What does "highest-paid defensive lineman in Steelers history" mean?
A: No defensive lineman (tackle or end) has ever averaged more than $18 million per year on a Steelers contract. Legends like "Mean" Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, or Cameron Heyward never hit this number.
Q: What’s the difference between nose tackle and defensive end?
A: Nose tackle = lines up head-on over the center, main job is to occupy blockers so others can make plays. Defensive end (interior) = lines up in a gap, main job is to penetrate and disrupt — more sacks, more tackles for loss.
Q: Why is Joey Porter Jr. on the PUP list?
A: He aggravated a back injury during the very first mobility workout of training camp. The PUP list lets him recover without counting against the active roster. He can return once cleared by doctors.
Q: Are all these extensions happening because the Steelers have lots of cap space?
A: Partly! But it’s also smart business — extending young players early (before they hit free agency) usually costs less per year than waiting until they’re proven stars on the open market.
Q: What does this mean for the 2026 season?
A: The Steelers’ defensive core is set for years. With Benton, Herbig, Washington, and (soon) Porter Jr. locked in, plus veterans like T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh has a young, talented, homegrown defense built to contend.