Steelers' Defensive Line Future Hinges on Keeanu Benton Contract Decision

For the first time in what feels like a very long time, the Pittsburgh Steelers are getting second deals done with their draft picks. Joey Porter Jr. is in line for his deal, Darnell Washington got his, and Nick Herbig also cashed in during the 2026 offseason. This success is a testament to general manager Omar Khan's drafting, ensuring these players stick around. However, a growing feeling suggests that one 2023 draft classmate faces an uncertain future. Not because he isn't worthy of a deal, but because of where he falls in the pecking order. According to a Steelers insider, the team may leave 2023 second-round pick Keeanu Benton on the outside looking in.

On the Steelers Collective YouTube channel, Mark Kaboly joined his fellow Steelers insider and offered this insight:

"They pretty much signed everybody. Except one guy," Kaboly said. "They can't sign them all. I just don't see [Keeanu Benton] in their long-term plans."

Benton is playing in a contract year and could benefit next free agency period if he has a big year. However, the Steelers might be better off getting a deal done despite where he appears to sit in their priority queue of extensions. Their future could very well hinge on it.

Benton Beginning to Hit His Stride with Steelers

Benton had a breakout year with the Steelers in 2025, doubling his first two years' production in sacks and tackles for loss. He proved himself a reliable interior defensive lineman even away from the nosetackle role, and when he lines up one-on-one, he routinely takes offensive linemen's lunch money. He still has room to grow, but 2025 gave the Steelers their first glimpse of what they hoped for when they drafted him. Now he needs to repeat that performance in 2026.

A big year from Benton would benefit both the Steelers and Benton himself. The Steelers could still make him a priority next offseason if they can't reach a deal this offseason. However, a big year could also price him out of town, the way it did for Javon Hargrave in 2019. Hargrave was a steady force for the Steelers and cashed in multiple times after leaving. The Steelers would likely rather keep Benton than let that happen again.

After all, the future could hang in the balance.

Steelers Need to Secure Future at Defensive Line

Cam Heyward has battled father time as strongly as James Harrison once did, but father time remains undefeated. Heyward is still playing at an extraordinary level, yet retirement looms. If he retires next offseason and the Steelers lose Benton to free agency, the loss could prove devastating. The defense went through similar turnover after Hargrave left the Steelers, and Stephon Tuitt's early retirement, following a personal tragedy, only compounded the problem. It took the Steelers several years to find a viable replacement.

The Steelers don't want to repeat that scenario. They need to secure Benton, a defensive tackle on the rise, and pairing him with Derrick Harmon would keep the line strong even if Heyward retires next offseason. Yahya Black is also on the rise but still developing. Pittsburgh needs to recognize this and get a deal done this offseason, otherwise, the long-term plans Kaboly mentioned may not matter.