Keeanu Benton, Steelers Reportedly Agree to Historic Contract Extension, Updated NFL Salary Cap

The Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $72 million with defensive tackle Keeanu Benton on Friday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Per Rapoport, the extension makes Benton the highest-paid defensive lineman in Steelers history.

He was initially set to hit free agency next offseason after carrying a $2.3 million cap hit for his 2026 campaign.

The Steelers have just over $3.9 million in team cap space for 2027, the first year of Benton's extension (via Over the Cap).

He's appeared in 51 games, including 40 starts, across three seasons since Pittsburgh selected him with a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

Benton was productive while lining up at nose tackle last year, amassing 51 tackles, 12 quarterback hits, six tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. He recorded 31 total pressures as well, according to Pro Football Focus.

The 25-year-old also ranked No. 15 among all defensive tackles with a nine percent pass-rush win rate, via ESPN.

Considering Benton's role on the Steelers has gradually increased during each year he's spent on the team, it isn't hard to imagine him remaining a problem for opposing quarterbacks under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.

Pittsburgh has focused on extending its 2023 draft picks ahead of the 2026 season, handing linebacker Nick Herbig a new four-year deal worth $100 million on June 2. The Steelers also signed tight end Darnell Washington to a four-year, $42 million extension the following day.

Now, Benton's long-term future in Pittsburgh received more security with Week 1 drawing closer.