The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to a significant contract extension with defensive tackle Keeanu Benton, locking him in through the 2030 season.
The 25-year-old Benton has appeared in all 51 games since the Steelers drafted him, making 40 starts, mostly at nose tackle. His impressive play earned him a four-year, $72 million contract extension, which will tie him with Cam Heyward for the most-expensive defensive line contract in team history.
Benton's $18 million average annual value on the contract makes him the 20th-highest-paid interior defensive linemen in the league. This deal is a testament to the Steelers' faith in Benton's abilities and their commitment to building a strong defensive line.
The Steelers' decision to extend Benton's contract comes after a standout 2025 season, where he started all 17 games and made 51 tackles, six tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hits, one pass defended, and one forced fumble.
Benton's impressive statistics and consistent play have made him a valuable asset to the Steelers' defense. His ability to make an impact in the middle of the line has been crucial in helping the team achieve success.
The Steelers' decision to lock up Benton for the long term is a strategic move to build a strong foundation for the future. With this contract extension, the Steelers are investing in a key player who has already shown his worth on the field.
As the Steelers look to the future, Benton's contract extension is a positive sign for the team. With a strong defensive line, the Steelers are well-positioned to compete for championships in the years to come.
The Steelers' next move will be to see how Benton's contract extension affects the team's salary cap. The team will need to balance their roster to accommodate Benton's new contract, which could lead to some tough decisions in the coming months.
The Steelers will likely look to make some adjustments to their roster to accommodate Benton's new contract. The team will need to weigh the cost of keeping key players against the need to build a competitive roster.
The NFL offseason is always a time of change and uncertainty, and the Steelers are no exception. With Benton's contract extension, the team is taking a significant step towards building a strong foundation for the future.
The Steelers will now turn their attention to the upcoming season, where Benton will look to build on his impressive 2025 campaign. With his new contract in hand, Benton is poised to be a key player in the Steelers' quest for success.
Source: Yahoo Sports