JANESVILLE — Janesville Craig graduate and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton has signed a four-year, $72 million contract extension.
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, according to NBC Sports.
The deal runs four years (securing him through the 2030 season).
The $18 million average annual payout makes Benton the highest-paid defensive lineman in Steelers history, matching the annual rate of Cam Heyward’s recent deal.
The 2023 second-round pick out of Wisconsin signed the extension heading into the final year of his rookie contract following a career-best season.