The Pittsburgh Steelers locked in another key member of their roster on Friday night, reportedly agreeing to terms with defensive lineman Keeanu Benton on a four-year, $72 million contract extension.
It’s a significant deal because it keeps Benton in Pittsburgh beyond his rookie contract and is also a record-setting contract for the franchise when it comes to defensive linemen.
Steelers give Keeanu Benton highest defensive line contract in franchise history
The $18 million average will make Benton the highest-paid defensive lineman in franchise history, putting him ahead of Cam Heyward.
The 25-year-old Benton was a second-round pick (No. 49 overall) by the Steelers in 2023 and has become a key part of their defensive front.
In three years, he has 7.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss and 28 quarterback hits.
The 2025 season was by far his most effective as a pass-rusher, finishing with career highs in sacks (5.5), tackles for loss (five) and quarterback hits (12).