The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a contract decision on defensive tackle Keeanu Benton.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing defensive tackle Keeanu Benton to a four-year $72 million extension. The new deal is worth $18 million per year, making him the highest-paid defensive lineman in Steelers history. He was entering the final year of his rookie contract, worth $1.75 million.
In the first two seasons of his career, Benton totaled 72 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, eight pass deflections, and an interception. He has shown significant improvement throughout his career.
Benton is coming off a career year in the 2025 season, as he recorded 51 total tackles, six tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass deflection.
The 25-year-old will be a key piece on the Steelers' defensive line alongside T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, and Derrick Harmon.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectWatt played at a high level in 2025, finishing with 55 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, seven sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and eight pass deflections.
Heyward also played well in 2025, recording 78 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and six pass deflections.
Heyward is nearing the end of his career, which makes Benton's deal more important for the future of the defense.
Harmon is another solid pass rusher for Pittsburgh, posting 27 total tackles, a tackle for loss, three sacks, a fumble recovery, and a pass deflection. With this talented pass rush, the Steelers' defensive line should be among the best in the league in the 2026 season.
Pittsburgh will need their pass rush to play at an elite level as they look to repeat as AFC North Champions. The Steelers hired Mike McCarthy as the head coach this offseason after Mike Tomlin stepped down, but the goal of competing in the playoffs remains the same.
Pittsburgh was impressive in their first preseason matchup, dominating with a 29-9 victory over the Green Bay Packers. McCarthy and the Steelers will look to build on the win as they head into the 2026 season, hoping to make a deeper run than the Wild Card Round.
