Benton's Record Deal
Keeanu Benton Inks Record $72 Million Extension with Steelers, Becoming Highest-Paid Defensive Lineman
Key Points
Benton is the third member of the Steelers' 2023 draft class to sign an extension in the 2026 offseason, joining Nick Herbig and Darnell Washington, while cornerback Joey Porter Jr. remains unsigned.
His four-year extension would tie him with Cameron Heyward as the Steelers' highest-paid interior defensive linemen at $18 million per year.
The contract's total guarantees have not yet been disclosed publicly.
Cap space implications for the first year of Benton's extension are tight, with the Steelers having just over $3.9 million in cap space for 2027; Benton previously carried a $2.3 million cap hit for 2026.
In 2025 Benton posted a career-high 51 tackles and 5.5 sacks over 17 games, with 31 pressures (PFF) and a strong ESPN pass-block win rate ranking among interior defenders.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have locked up defensive tackle Keeanu Benton on a four-year, $72 million extension, making him the highest-paid defensive lineman in franchise history, WTAE reported. The deal carries an $18 million average annual value and keeps Benton under contract through the 2030 season.
Benton came off a career-best 2025 season, posting 51 tackles and 5.5 sacks over all 17 games. He also logged 31 pressures, per Pro Football Focus. The extension cements him as a cornerstone of Pittsburgh's defensive line for years to come.
Benton Ties Heyward as Steelers' Highest-Paid Lineman
At $18 million per year, Benton ties the late Cameron Heyward as the most expensive interior defensive lineman in Steelers history, according to Trib Live. Benton was entering the final year of his rookie contract and had been set to hit free agency after 2026. The Steelers moved quickly to take that option off the table.
The full guarantee amount has not been made public yet. Pittsburgh's cap space for 2027 sits at just over $3.9 million, Chat Sports noted. Benton's previous cap hit was just $2.3 million for 2026, so the new deal will carry much larger cap implications going forward.
Third 2023 Draft Pick to Sign, Porter Still Waiting
Benton is the third member of Pittsburgh's 2023 draft class to sign an extension this offseason, Head Top Topics reported. Nick Herbig signed first at around $100 million. Tight end Darnell Washington followed at roughly $42 million. Benton's $72 million deal is now the third big commitment from that draft class.
One notable name still unsigned is cornerback Joey Porter Jr., also from the 2023 class. Porter has not yet reached a deal with the team. The Steelers are balancing several big contracts at once while trying to stay under the NFL salary cap.
New Defensive Scheme Will Expand Benton's Pass-Rush Role
Under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, Benton is expected to play more defensive end. That is a shift from his previous role as a nose tackle, which focused more on stopping the run. The move should give him more chances to rush the passer, according to Albat.
Benton already ranked among the top interior defenders in ESPN's pass-block win rate in 2025. His 31 pressures showed he can already affect the quarterback. A role with more edge responsibilities could push those numbers even higher in 2026 and beyond.
Steelers Double Down on Building Through the Trenches
Pittsburgh has now committed major money on both sides of the ball up front. The team also extended offensive linemen this offseason. The Steelers believe winning games starts with controlling the line of scrimmage, and Benton's deal makes that philosophy clear, Albat reported.
Cap space will be tight heading into 2027 with just $3.9 million to work with after this deal. The front office will need to manage extensions carefully in the coming years. Still, locking up a 25-year-old starting defensive tackle through 2030 gives Pittsburgh a strong foundation to build around.
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