Steelers Sign Keeanu Benton to Historic $72M Extension

The Steelers have agreed to a 4-year, $72M extension with defensive lineman Keeanu Benton, according to Ian Rapoport. The deal is worth $18M per year and is the largest contract extension for a defensive lineman in franchise history.

Benton, 25, was drafted by the Steelers in the 2nd round of the 2023 draft. He has appeared in all 51 regular season games since being drafted, with 40 starts.

Through his first three seasons, Benton has recorded 123 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 28 quarterback hits, 9 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles and an interception.

Benton broke out in 2025 for a career-high 5.5 sacks while adding 51 tackles and 12 quarterback hits.

Just days before agreeing to his new extension, Benton told reporters he has even bigger goals for the 2026 season.

“Me personally, I want at least eight to 10 sacks. I wanna get after that passer a lot more this year,” Benton said on The Irish Steelers Podcast.

Benton is now the 18th highest paid defensive lineman, ahead of Devonte Wyatt and Vita Vea.👀