Keeanu

Benton

The deal was first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Benton, who turned 25 in July, is entering his fourth season in the league after the Steelers selected him in the second-round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Coming off a career-best season that saw him record 5.5 sacks, Benton would’ve been set to hit free agency next offseason without a contract extension. Now Benton joins LB Nick Herbig, TE Darnell Washington and K Chris Boswell on the list of Steelers to receive extensions this offseason. With his $18 million per year contract, Benton is now the highest-paid defensive lineman in Steelers history.

Kaboly and his co-host, Chris Mack, were wondering aloud why the Steelers have not yet signed CB Joey Porter to an extension this offseason when the conversation shifted to Benton. Both Kaboly and Mack were seemingly of the opinion that signing Benton, 24, to an extension does not appear to be a priority for the front office. Since joining the Steelers as a 2023 second-round pick, Benton ranks fifth on the team in sacks (nine) and quarterback pressures (75), 10th in solo tackles (82) and ties for sixth in TFLs (13). He is a capable defender, who should stick around in the league, but he may not earn a lucrative extension from team that drafted.

Benton, the 49th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, signed a contract that includes guaranteed money in the third year -- an unprecedented deal, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Benton performed well at the NFL Combine after serving as the anchor of Wisconsin’s defensive line, recording 60 tackles in his final two collegiate seasons. He should be a plus for a Steelers defense graded by PFF as 2022’s tenth best run-defending unit.

The Senior Bowl standout boosted his stock at every step of the pre-Draft process, also posting an 8.65 RAS at the Combine. His 3-cone time in the 91st-percentile reflects his lacrosse background, while the explosion indicated by his 85th-percentile Broad Jump is apparent in his play. While amassing 60 tackles in his final two seasons in Madison, Benton showed great ability to anchor in the middle of a stout Badger defense. He has a great punch that knocks many offensive linemen off their spots while his chops and rips have martial art precision. Despite not being put in a position to put up multiple sacks, he still ended up with six sacks in his junior and senior seasons, resulting in All-B1G honors. The biggest problem with Benton is his tendency to play with a high pad level thus losing his anchor. He’ll join a Steelers defense with a rush defense graded by PFF as last season’s tenth best.