For the first time in a long time, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a strong defensive line. While long-term concerns remain, this group has been invested in and is showing up every week.
Unfortunately, Keeanu Benton poises a massive problem for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Benton was a widely praised pick when the Steelers took him in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Defensive line had been a long-neglected position, so investing in the room was a breath of fresh air.
It didn’t take long for Benton to see the field, and he has continued to play in a starter capacity since taking over. However, it felt like Benton was never hitting his full potential.
That has all changed this season. Benton is having his best season ever, blowing out his first two years as a pro and even matching his best sack total in college through half the season. This feels like the breakout we have all been waiting for.
When you look at this story entirely, though, there are some clear issues. With Benton up for a contract extension next year, this could quickly become a massive problem for the Steelers.
Keeanu Benton is officially a problem for the Pittsburgh Steelers
While Benton is enjoying a career year, there are still some issues with his play. His pass rush has been excellent, and it feels like he has a more complete set of pass-rushing moves as opposed to his earlier seasons.
However, his run defense is still hot and cold. The biggest issue? His actual ability as a nose tackle. While moving him to defensive end doesn’t fix that issue right away, I do think he is playing out of position.
Nose tackles need to be able to take on double teams and open lanes for other players. Unfortunately, when more than one set of hands gets on Benton, I feel like he gets washed out. The further to the edge he plays, the less of a concern that becomes.
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You think about a guy like Javon Hargrave, who was squattier and more stout. He could take on those double teams when needed while still being an effective pass rusher. Benton is taller and leaner, which just makes him a weird fit at nose tackle.
Unfortunately, the rest of the league won’t care that Benton is playing out of position. Defensive linemen get paid, and Benton will have his hand outstretched next offseason.
Milton Williams got $26 million a year despite only recording five sacks and playing 48 percent of the defensive snaps in his final season with the Eagles. Benton should surpass both of those numbers this year.
Even if Benton doesn’t command that level of pay, he will likely be expecting top 15 money and over $20 million a season. That is a lot of money to pay to a guy that you feel like is hot and cold and playing out of position.
You can not pay him next year, but if his ascent continues next season, you will have to franchise tag him in the offseason. 2026 has a projected franchise tag cost of $26 million. That would only increase in 2027, which is a hefty cost. That also sets the floor of what a long-term deal would look like for Benton.
The last option is to let him play out his rookie deal and leave in free agency. You would hate for that to happen, though. Cam Heyward has, at most, one more season in him, so you would lose two starters and be back to a thin defensive line.
His breakout despite playing out of position should be celebrated. However, the long-term issues with Benton remain, and it will be tough to figure out what to do long-term with him after this season wraps up.