Keeanu Benton locked in a massive four-year, $72 million extension with the Steelers late Friday evening, making him the latest 2023 draft pick to secure his future in Pittsburgh. Seriously, this team is putting in work during the offseason, getting their key young talent locked down for the long haul.
Seven Years In The Mud: A Brotherhood Forged
What’s even wilder than the contract numbers themselves is the emotion surrounding this deal. Nick Herbig, another star from that 2023 class, was right there at Benton’s press conference. And man, he got choked up, fighting back tears talking about his boy. These two aren’t just teammates, they’re brothers. Herbig put it perfectly, telling Alan Saunders, “We’ve been best friends since the day we met in college. That’s like my brother.” You love to see it.
Their bond runs deep, tracing all the way back to 2020 at Wisconsin. Herbig reminisced about everything they’ve been through together: “Seeing him get through all the trials and hardships. Grinding and going through the mud together. Getting drafted together. Just this journey we’ve been on. Now it’s all full circle, I can’t even out it into words.” Think about that, this is their seventh season playing together. That kind of shared history and grit? That builds championship cultures, period.
Pittsburgh’s 2023 Class Is Building A Dynasty
Benton’s huge extension is a clear signal from the Steelers that their 2023 draft class is legit. He’s the third of their top five picks from that year to sign a long-term deal. Remember Herbig’s own monster four-year, $100 million deal? Or Darnell Washington’s four-year, $42 million agreement? It’s a bold move to commit big money so early, but it clearly speaks to the talent they drafted. The only real shake-up from that class was declining the fifth-year option on offensive tackle Broderick Jones, but otherwise, this group is sticking around.
It’s no exaggeration to say this 2023 class is “one of the best in recent franchise history.” They’re not done either. All eyes are now on cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who’s heading into the final year of his rookie deal. Pittsburgh is clearly looking to complete the “quartet of extensions” and keep this core together.
What a statement for Pittsburgh as the season ramps up! This 2023 class is the real deal, locking in foundational pieces that could define the team for years. Can they get Porter Jr. locked up next? That’s the question everyone’s asking.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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