"Would You Give Us A Second?": Depending On Round 1 Pick The Steelers Could Have Surprising Trade Candidate

The Pittsburgh Steelers came into the 2026 offseason after a disappointing 2025 campaign. The Black and Gold had the highest-paid defense, and the unit struggled mightily at times. The run defense was a point of weakness, as the collective allowed 4.3 yards per carry and 113.1 yards per game, which aren't great marks by any means. The 2026 offseason has seen the addition of run-stopper Sebastian Joseph-Day to help address these problems. The Steelers' defensive line has certainly added more depth, which was clearly lacking in 2025. 

The Steelers head into the 2026 NFL Draft with 12 draft picks, including three in the third round. They own pick 21 in the first round, and there is plenty of speculation on who they will select there. There has been talk about adding a receiver, secondary help, or a lineman on either side of the ball. If the Steelers decide to go with a defensive lineman to shore up their future there, a current rostered player could be in trouble. 

On an episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, Steelers beat writer Brian Batko gave a scenario where a Pittsburgh defender might be moved. This is all in response to the organization being mocked into drafting Kayden McDonald at 21. 

"Kayden McDonald's a name that's certainly been on my list of guys that you would expect the Steelers to at least look at, if not draft. So probably be there. I would think at 21," Batko said. "Then you could say, ‘Hey, would you give us a second round for Keeanu Benton? What do you think? Look at his pass rushing.'" 

The Steelers drafted Benton in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he is playing on the last year of his rookie deal. Benton's performance in 2026 could dictate his future in Pittsburgh. The front office might find itself drafting his replacement and trading him based on his expiring contract. All possibilities are on the table for this young defensive lineman, as his role with the team has proved to be interesting throughout his time in the Black and Gold. 

Benton had a solid 2025 season, where he registered 5.5 sacks and 51 total tackles. He was utilized as a nose tackle under now-former Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin's scheme, which wasn't necessarily his strength. Benton does not have the ideal size or skill set to be a true NFL nose tackle. He is listed at 6'4" and 309 lbs, and is more of a pass-rusher than a run-stopper. The Steelers haven't unlocked his potential as a defensive lineman at that spot, and based on his production, a change of scenery wouldn't be so bad for him. 

If Pittsburgh were offered a second-round pick in exchange for Benton, the Steelers shouldn't hesitate to take it. He'll need another contract, and the franchise is looking to stockpile draft picks for 2027, as it'll more than likely need a quarterback. The Steelers going defensive line at some point in the earlier rounds could point to Benton's time expiring in the Steel City, and getting some draft capital for him would only help the front office continue its mission of accruing picks. 

Steelers Need Youth On The Defensive Line

The Steelers' brass going with a pick at defensive line would be a smart move, anyway. Their franchise star, Cam Heyward, isn't getting any younger, and his contract expires after the 2027 season. The team going with a young, developmental piece at the position would set the unit up for success when Heyward decides to hang them up.

With Heyward's eventual departure and Benton's expiring rookie deal, the Steelers could look to add to their line with one of their 12 picks. General Manager Omar Khan has plenty to work with, and if a prospect like McDonald catches their eye, they very well could add another young lineman in 2026. 

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