The Pittsburgh Steelers recently rewarded edge rusher Nick Herbig with a four-year, $100 million extension despite the fact that he has not been a full-time starter in his three-year NFL career. That kind of logic would draw a lot of questions about the team in most cases, but the former fourth-round pick has earned it with how impressive he's been whenever he does get the chance to step onto the field. Now, he should be able to play more snaps and really show the world what he is made of.
Taylor Allison / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers edge rusher Nick Herbig wraps up Browns QB Dillon Gabriel for a sack in a 2025 regular season matchup.
He's not the only one due for an extension either. In his post-practice press conference, Herbig got excited for his teammates to also get what they deserve, but he shouted out one man in particular with hopes that he can remain in Pittsburgh for the long-term future.
Speaking after signing his deal, Nick Herbig says of other 2023 draftees getting extensions: "I think some things are going to happen. I hope so. Keeanu Benton is a dog."
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) June 3, 2026
Benton is in the room for Herbig's presser, and the pair (Wisconsin teammates) are repped by the same agent.
It probably helped that defensive tackle Keeanu Benton was sitting right there, as well as the fact that the two players have so much in common, as Brooke Pryor made sure to mention. However, the two former Wisconsin Badgers were teammates for a while in college before both being selected in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Steelers. This relationship goes much deeper than what they've done in the past few years.
Justin Guido / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers nose tackle Keeanu Benton celebrates in game with linebacker Nick Herbig against Cleveland Browns in 2025.
This friendship was put in the spotlight when they starred in the Steelers' 2025 schedule release video together. It was fun to see them get to express themselves a little bit in a skit like that. They may get more chances to be silly together if Benton gets the extension that Herbig hopes he gets. Negotiations are likely happening behind the scenes as we speak.
Benton is a little bit more of a risk than Herbig at this point, however. The former second-round pick has primarily played out of position throughout his career, and it had led to some mixed results. His 2024 season was a step in the wrong direction, as he stagnated in his spot at nose tackle. 2025 was better, but it still feels like he hasn't reached his ceiling quite yet.
It will be very interesting to see how new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham uses Benton. With the new coaching staff, the Steelers have put a strong emphasis on plug-and-play versatility. He will likely move around and play all over the defensive line in training camp as Graham tries to figure out which spot he fits in the best at, as well as how his position affects others on the line.
Steelers' Most Likely Extension For Benton
It would make sense if the Steelers allowed Benton to play out his contract and see if he's a good fit for this new-age defense or not. There is still another level for him to hit, but they can't pay him on just the possibility that he becomes a high-end defensive lineman. If they do want to pay him, there is a logical way to do that for both sides: the DeShon Elliott method.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers nose tackle Keeanu Benton recording a sack against the Indianapolis Colts.
The Steelers could give Benton a two-year extension with a low base pay, but most of it being guaranteed -- similar to what they did with Elliott. For example, they could give him a $12 million deal with $9 million guaranteed. That way, he doesn't have to worry about getting cut immediately while he can still prove himself and earn a pay raise later on.
What do you think about Herbig wanting Benton to get paid? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
#SteelerNation