Steelers Can Pull Off Unexpected Trade To Acquire Another First-Round Pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a weird spot as an organization as the team is trying to win now while also building for the future. The good news for fans is that the franchise has a good crop of young talent due to some success through the recent NFL Drafts. The Steelers are currently in a situation where a bunch of players from the 2023 class are in position to be extended, which has already occurred with players like Nick Herbig and Darnell Washington. Other guys are also looking for new deals, including Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton.

Porter seems to be the biggest priority when it comes to getting a contract extension done prior to the 2026 season, which puts Benton in an odd position. He is coming off of the best season of his career as he set career highs in total tackles and sacks, but there would certainly be some debate about his value on a fresh deal. 

It doesn't look good for the defender when it comes to getting an extension before the season, and it is a well known fact that the organization will not conduct contractual business during any given campaign. If an agreement cannot be reached with Benton, it might make the most sense to try and trade him before the start of meaningful football. 

He could sign an extension with a new team, and the Steelers would be getting something valuable in return. Bill Barnwell of ESPN believes it could be something as valuable as a first-round pick.

"One first-round pick: DT Keeanu Benton, OT Troy Fautanu, C Zach Frazier, DT Derrick Harmon, Edge Nick Herbig, CB Joey Porter Jr." Barnwell wrote. "Having invested heavily along the line of scrimmage in the draft over the past few years, the Steelers are loaded with talented young linemen on both sides of the ball."

Barnwell noted six players in Pittsburgh that he believes would return one first-round pick in a trade. The common theme among these players is that they are relatively young, and they have all proven that they can make an impact. Benton is probably the biggest surprise on this list.

Trading Benton might seem counterproductive. The Steelers are trying to win now, and he is coming off the best season of his career. He proved to be valuable in rushing the passer and stopping the run in 2025, but he would be quite the financial investment. His current market value is roughly $26 million per year according to Spotrac, and the outlet suggests he would receive a four-year, $103 million deal.

With a Porter extension looming and the idea of having to give serious money to two or three offensive lineman next offseason, a deal like that is not doable for Pittsburgh. If there are teams that are willing to trade a first-round selection for Benton, the Steelers would be irresponsible not to entertain that. The franchise has another young player that could step into the starting lineup in Yahya Black.

Steelers Should Only Entertain Deals With Some Serious Value

Something that General Manager Omar Khan has done a good job of recently is manipulating the compensatory pick formula. The highest selection a team can receive through the compensatory pick formula is a third rounder, so a trade for Benton would only make sense if the Steelers would be receiving more than that. 

If no deal is agreed to, the Steelers can have Benton on the roster throughout the 2026 season and he will be motivated as it is a contract year. He would then likely sign a larger deal in free agency, which should grant Pittsburgh a third round selection. If more is available via trade, then it has to be considered.

What do you think about potentially trading Benton? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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