Steelers' Keeanu Benton's Remarkable Value Could Surprise Fans

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a hectic summer with signing second-contract players to extensions. They've already gotten a handful of guys locked in, but they still have two more that they are reportedly trying to get inked to Pittsburgh long-term. The top guy has been Joey Porter Jr. and many are expecting a hold-in during training camp until a deal get signed. The other guy is Keeanu Benton, who seems to have lost the attention because of the focus on his teammate. 

Some have speculated around with how much Benton is worth, but there are no recent reports regarding where the status of negotiations are at. Porter has taken the contract extension headlines away from him. Benton is still extremely valuable and that has brought up some discussion about his value.

ESPN recently wrote an article talking about which players on each team could field a first-round pick. They listed six players on the Steelers worth one and Benton was listed. He's very talented and has proven to be a valuable piece of this defense as a pass rusher, accounting for 5.5 sacks a season ago. While there have been some questions about his run defense, he's got the tools to be a big piece of this defense for years, which is why there was discourse about an extension.

Steelers' insider Christopher Carter spoke on 93.7 the Fan about Benton's value on the future free-agent market and what he thinks about this idea of a first-round pick for him. This isn't talking about a trade happening either, just what Carter believes his trade value is worth instead.

"Keeanu Benton is interesting because to me when I look at him, I think there’s things he needs to work on, but I will say, if I’m a team that needs a pass rushing interior guy, he would fetch a pretty high price on the free agent market if he was just to hit that openly," Carter stated. "I could see him getting a high price, but I never thought about him getting a first [round pick]."

Benton will be 25 years old and is heading into his fourth season in the league. While keeping him in Pittsburgh long term was what the organization was after earlier this summer, his apparent value may prevent an extension from happening. He may be able to land a bigger contract in free agency. 

That could be why a deal hasn't happened yet — due to Benton's side holding off. That's just pure speculation, yet it's still a real possibility. It's interesting to hear what some believe his trade value is at this point too. 

If there are signs that Benton will not return to Pittsburgh, would it be smart to deal him for a possible first round pick? It's a very valid question for this organization and the emergence of Derrick Harmon would make it easier to move on from that depth. Cam Heyward nearing the end of his career slows down this idea though. The Steelers need the best depth possible when replacing such a vital piece of this defense.  

Pittsburgh is entering a new era of its organization with Mike McCarthy at head coach. He features one of the most talented defensive line and edge rushing units in the league. With all this discourse, things could change pretty quickly if Heyward retires at the end of the 2026 season and then Benton has a chance to take on a bigger role with the Steelers. 

Steelers Have Big Decision To Make With Benton

There are plenty of different avenues for Pittsburgh to explore when it comes to Benton. Whichever one it takes, it could make a big impact to the franchise. This reported return the Steelers could get for him may change the approach they take with him. A trade of him could give them a new high draft pick, while signing him long term would give stability to this defensive line, but there are no guarantees that he signs with how much money he could get.

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