Benton now highest-paid DL in Steelers history
Brooke PryorAug 14, 2026, 10:28 PM ET
- Brooke Pryor is a reporter for NFL Nation at ESPN who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2019. She previously covered the Kansas City Chiefs for the Kansas City Star and the University of Oklahoma for The Oklahoman.
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers and defensive tackle Keeanu Benton agreed to a four-year, $72 million extension, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on Friday night.
With a $18 million annual value, the deal makes Benton the highest-paid defensive lineman in Steelers' history.
Benton, one of two Steelers' second-round picks in 2023, posted a career-high 5.5 sacks and 51 tackles last season. Primarily a nose tackle in the previous coaching regime, Benton figures to have a more dynamic interior presence as a defensive end in new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham's system.
Benton is one of several Steelers from 2023 draft class to receive lucrative extensions this offseason, joining OLB Nick Herbig and TE Darnell Washington.
Cornerback Joey Porter Jr., the Steelers' other 2023 second-round pick, is also in line for an extension. Porter, though, hasn't practiced in training camp after being placed on the PUP list following the aggravation of a back injury during the team's mobility workout on report day.
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