Steelers Finally Reveal Their Hand With Massive $72 Million Bet On Keeanu Benton

Pittsburgh Steelers fans have spent much of the 2026 offseason wondering how many members of the team's impressive 2023 draft class General Manager Omar Khan could realistically keep in Pittsburgh. On Friday night, another major piece of that puzzle fell into place. The Steelers reached a lucrative extension with Keeanu Benton, ensuring the young defensive lineman will remain part of the organization's long-term plans.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Pittsburgh and Benton agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract extension. The deal carries an average annual value of $18 million and, according to Rapoport, makes Benton the highest-paid defensive lineman in Steelers history. After months of uncertainty surrounding his future, Pittsburgh ultimately made its belief in the former second-round pick very clear.

The timing makes the decision even more interesting. Pittsburgh's first depth chart created questions about Benton's role after Yahya Black was listed as the starter at 0-tech, while Benton was no longer occupying his familiar starting nose tackle spot. With Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham installing a different system and Pittsburgh continuing to build depth along the defensive line, it would have been reasonable to wonder whether the organization wanted to see how Benton adapted before committing significant money to him.

Steelers Make Their Belief In Benton Crystal Clear

Apparently, Khan and the Steelers had already seen enough. Benton is coming off the best season of his career, starting all 17 games in 2025 while recording 51 tackles, 5.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hits and a forced fumble. His 5.5 sacks were tied for 11th among NFL defensive tackles, while he set career highs across several major statistical categories.

That development is particularly encouraging considering Benton produced just one sack in each of his first two seasons. He has also proven extremely durable, appearing in all 51 regular-season games since Pittsburgh selected him 49th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Rather than viewing the recent depth chart change as a sign that Benton could be pushed aside, Pittsburgh appears to see his versatility as a major advantage within Graham's defense.

The Steelers have already discussed ways to move Benton around more frequently, especially with the 336-pound Black capable of handling more traditional nose tackle responsibilities. That could free Benton to attack guards and tackles from different alignments and potentially build on the pass-rushing jump he showed last season. Pittsburgh has invested heavily in the defensive front, with Derrick Harmon, Black and veteran Cameron Heyward giving Graham several different pieces to work with.

Benton's extension also continues Pittsburgh's aggressive effort to retain the best pieces from Khan's first draft class. Nick Herbig and Darnell Washington have already received new contracts, leaving Joey Porter Jr. as the most prominent member of the 2023 group still awaiting one.

For Benton, the uncertainty is over. The Steelers may be changing where he lines up, but $72 million makes one thing obvious: they have no intention of changing teams on him anytime soon.

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