The Steelers have nearly completed the process of signing their draft class to their initial NFL contracts. Pittsburgh inked second-round defensive tackle Keeanu Benton to his four-year rookie deal, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (Twitter link).
Notably, Rapoport reports that Benton’s contract includes guaranteed money in Year 3, something which is unprecedented for players selected in the No. 49 slot. The move likely signals the expectations Pittsburgh has for the Wisconsin product, who demonstrated a disruptive ability during his time at the college level and will be tasked with translating it to the pro game.
Benton spent four years with the Badgers, and he showcased his pass-rushing traits right away with a pair of sacks in eight games during his freshman season. The 6-foot-4, 315-pounder was held without a sack or tackle for loss as a sophomore, but his production picked up over the past two seasons. During that span, he totaled seven sacks and 15 TFLs, adding four pass deflections and a pair of fumble recoveries along the way.
Those figures made the 21-year-old one of the top DT prospects in this year’s class, and a target of the Steelers with their third selection. Benton will join a defensive line that also features three-time All-Pro Cameron Heyward and the re-signed Larry Ogunjobi along the interior. Those veterans are under contract through 2024 and ’25, respectively, so Benton will likely see a rotational role early in his career.
Much of his playing time could come via the snaps vacated by veteran Tyson Alualu. The latter is unsigned after spending the past six years in the Steel City, a tenure he would prefer to extend. The presence of Benton gives the Steelers a short- and long-term replacement, though, and more upside with respect to their depth options along the defensive front. With the latter’s deal now taken care of, Pittsburgh’s only remaining unsigned rookies are the two selected ahead of Benton, left tackle Broderick Jones and cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
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