When it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 season, there may be no defender with more to prove than Keeanu Benton, whose contract situation has all but been overshadowed by the talented Joey Porter Jr. But there's a legitimate argument to be made when it comes to Benton and his potential to become a top-10 defensive lineman in 2026.
From now until the start of the regular season, we at Steelers Wire will be analyzing every player on the roster. Here's a look at Benton and what could be in store for his 2026 season.
At a glance
- Height: 6-foot-4
- Weight: 309 pounds
- Age: 25 years old
- NFL experience: 4
Career with the Steelers
Benton, selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, has appeared in 51 games and made 40 starts for the Steelers. Quietly becoming one of the league's top nose tackles, Benton experienced a breakout-like
season in 2025, recording 5.5 sacks, 51 combined tackles, six tackles for loss, and 12 quarterback hits. But there's reason to believe Benton hasn't scratched the surface of what he's really capable of.
What's next in 2026?
Heading into a contract year, Benton is in a perfect situation for a massive Year 4 jump. He's playing alongside one of the most stacked defensive rosters in the league, with a capable new defensive coordinator in Patrick Graham calling the plays. Benton has something to prove in 2026 and could emerge as Pittsburgh's top defensive lineman before the season is over.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers roster spotlight: Can Keeanu Benton become a Pro Bowl defender?
