Steelers Lock Down Rising Star Benton with Massive Extension
Steelers Lock Up Rising Star Keeanu Benton with $72 Million Extension
Who Is Keeanu Benton?
Imagine a really strong, fast player whose job is to stop the other team from running the ball and to chase down the quarterback. That’s Keeanu Benton – a defensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Age: 25 years old
- Position: Defensive Lineman (plays in the "trenches" – right at the line of scrimmage)
- Drafted: 2nd round of the 2023 NFL Draft
- Breakout Year: 2025 season – his best year yet!
What Just Happened?
The Steelers and Benton agreed on a brand new contract that will keep him in Pittsburgh for four more years.
BIG NEWS ALERT
4 Years • $72 Million Total
That’s $18 million per year on average – a huge raise for a player on his first contract!
Why Is This a Big Deal?
1. He Earned It With Hard Work
In the 2025 season, Benton started all 17 games for the first time in his career. That means he was healthy and trusted enough to be on the field for every single snap.
2. His Stats Jumped Way Up
| Stat | 2025 Season | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Tackles | 51 | Career high! He stopped ball carriers 51 times. |
| Sacks | 5.5 | Career high! He tackled the quarterback behind the line 5.5 times. |
ELI5: What’s a Sack?
When the defense tackles the quarterback before he can throw the ball. It’s like popping a balloon before it gets blown up!
3. Part of a Smart Team Plan
General Manager Omar Khan has a clear strategy: build the team from the inside out – strong offensive and defensive lines first. Benton is a cornerstone of that plan.
4. He’s Not the Only One Getting Paid
Benton is the third player from the 2023 draft class to sign an extension this summer:
- Nick Herbig – Outside Linebacker
- Darnell Washington – Tight End
- Keeanu Benton – Defensive Lineman ← Latest!
This shows the Steelers hit a home run with their 2023 draft picks.
Breaking Down the Contract
- Length: 4 years (through 2029 season)
- Total Value: $72 million
- Average Per Year: $18 million
- Guaranteed Money: Details still coming – but usually a big chunk is guaranteed
- Cap Hit: Will be structured to fit Pittsburgh’s salary cap plans
What Happens Next?
- Benton signs the paperwork – makes it official
- He reports to training camp – ready for the 2026 season
- Steelers adjust salary cap – make room for other moves
- Fans get excited – core defense locked up for years!
- Season starts – Benton aims for even more sacks and tackles
Key Takeaways
IMPORTANT POINTS
- Homegrown talent pays off: Benton was drafted and developed by Pittsburgh
- Trenches win championships: Steelers prioritize line play on both sides
- 2023 draft class = gold mine: Three extensions already = great scouting
- Benton is entering his prime: Age 25–29 are typically peak years for linemen
- Defense stays scary: With Benton inside, the Steelers’ front seven remains a strength
Summary
The Pittsburgh Steelers rewarded Keeanu Benton’s breakout 2025 season with a 4-year, $72 million contract extension. The 25-year-old defensive lineman started all 17 games, posting career highs in tackles (51) and sacks (5.5). This move continues GM Omar Khan’s philosophy of building through the trenches and marks the third contract extension for a member of the Steelers’ impressive 2023 draft class. Benton is now a foundational piece of Pittsburgh’s defense for the foreseeable future.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does "extension" mean in NFL terms?
An extension adds new years onto a player’s existing contract. Benton was still on his rookie deal (4 years for 2nd round picks). This new deal kicks in after that, keeping him a Steeler through 2029.
2. Is $18 million per year a lot for a defensive lineman?
Yes! It puts him in the top 10-15 highest-paid defensive tackles in the league. For a player with only one full season as a starter, it shows the Steelers really believe in his trajectory.
3. What are "the trenches"?
Football slang for the line of scrimmage – where offensive and defensive linemen crash into each other every play. "Winning the trenches" means controlling that battle, which usually determines who wins the game.
4. How does this affect the Steelers’ salary cap?
The Steelers will structure the deal (using signing bonuses, void years, etc.) to keep the 2026 cap hit manageable. They have cap space and are good at this – expect them to still make moves if needed.
5. Can Benton get even better?
Absolutely. Defensive linemen often peak in their late 20s. With a full offseason as a known starter (not fighting for a spot), better technique, and more film study – 8-10 sacks isn’t out of the question.
Story developing – check back for contract details and guaranteed money figures!