Steelers Sign Rookie DT Keeanu Benton

The Pittsburgh Steelers locked down their second round draft pick.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have made the expected official by signing one of their 2023 second-round picks to his rookie contract this week. 

Keeanu Benton, whom the Steelers took with the 49th overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, signed his first contract, according to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The deal is worth $7,333,132 over four years with a $2,333,188 signing bonus. Benton's contract includes guaranteed money in the third year of the deal, making him the first 49th overall pick to have that included in his first contract. 

#Steelers second round DT Keeanu Benton has signed his rookie contract, source said. Benton has guaranteed money in the third year of his contract, the first time ever for the 49th pick. The deal was negotiated by @JoeNDiBenedetto and @KenSarnoff of 1 OF 1 Agency.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 23, 2023

At Wisconsin, the 6'4 and 315-pound tackle, Benton accounted for 81 total tackles - 19 for loss - nine sacks, four passes defended and two forced fumbles in 39 games over four seasons. 

Throughout OTAs and minicamp, Benton impressed coaches and appears to be working his way up into a rotational role at the very least. Don't be surprised to see Benton man the middle of the Steelers' defensive line frequently, if not as a starter, when the 2023-24 campaign begins in September. 

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