Steelers' Keeanu Benton Has Recognized The Time Is Now To Step Up As The Defensive Line Leader

The Pittsburgh Steelers spent the past two offseasons rebuilding their offensive line. Their last two first-round selections in the NFL Draft were offensive tackles. During that same timespan, it felt as though little attention was being paid to the defensive line, and worries about what would happen if captain Cameron Heyward went down with another injury abounded. This had many concerned that the team had not done enough to prepare for the future. This is surprising, given that the Steelers have the most expensive defense in the NFL.   

Heyward, entering his 14th season in the league at age 35, entered into contract negotiations this past offseason, hoping the Steelers would extend his current contract so he could retire in black and gold. While most felt that there were some valid concerns surrounding Heyward's age and longevity, most felt that the team needed him to play. Concerns arose regarding who would step up and lead if Heyward were gone.  

Fortunately, Heyward and the Steelers were able to work out an extension. It is favorable for all parties and doesn't lock up the Steelers, but allows Heyward to play for as long as he can. However, those contract negotiations had the media looking to see who could be the next man up. Keeanu Benton, who is entering his second season, certainly got a lot of attention. 

Benton is showing signs that he is ready to take the next step. During the preseason, he received a lot of praise from guys like Heyward, and former Steelers player turned scout, Ike Taylor, who said Benton has that "dawg" in him. Now, Benton is indicating that he recognizes that the time is now for him to step up his game and grow as a leader. 

Benton and fellow defender Nick Herbig recently joined Heyward on his podcast, Not Just Football with Cam Heyward. Heyward asked Benton his goals for this season and what he expects from himself. 

"Just stepping up in that leadership role," said Benton. "I'm still finding out how to lead in general. Figuring out, carving out that space for myself and figuring out what's the best way people kind of take to my leadership. Then just excelling and building on what I did last year on the field."

That sounds a lot like Benton had the same wake-up call that others did about Heyward's longevity in the league. If Benton wants to be the one who elevates into that role, he must start showing now that he is ready. That way, Heyward can start passing on the lessons on the "Steelers way" like the veteran players did for him when he was drafted. 

Benton was a second-round pick in 2023 out of the University of Wisconsin. During his rookie year, he started nine games, but recently said he is ready to increase his workload. That included losing some weight to get in shape for the season. He said that it helped him have a more effective camp. Benton seems to be headed into the new season, prepped and ready to take on more responsibilities. 

Steelers' Cameron Heyward Wants To Be A Bridge Between Old And New

Heyward's legacy as an elite defender in the league is often questioned because, despite his success as a player, he has not had the playoff success that defenders before him did. Recently, Heyward shared that when he signed his extension, his former teammate Brett Keisel was the first one to call and congratulate him. 

Keisel reminded Heyward that he needs to be the "bridge" between the old and new generations, much like Keisel and the others were for him. He shared that he wants to carry on the same tradition of mentoring the next generation. 

This isn't surprising, considering that Heyward has always been considered an outstanding team player. He is the first one to jump in and defend his teammates. He helps recruit new players to the team, and like he is doing with Benton, he teaches them the proud history of the franchise and what it means to be a Steeler. 

What do you think about Benton's progress? Click to comment below. 

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