Steelers' Keeanu Benton Receives Huge News About His Role In 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers' front seven on defense has consistently been dominant of the various elite units over the years. With the team relying on its pass rush and big-bodied defensive linemen to wreak havoc on the opposition, the upcoming 2026 season will be no different. 2025's defensive line has often been a hot topic of discussion with players like Yahya Black and Keeanu Benton being questioned as true nose tackles. With Pittsburgh's new coaching staff, the goal is for the line to play to its strengths. Pittsburgh will have to decide who can become more of a nose tackle, and how can their linemen be set up in different looks to be successful?

Benton has had an interesting start to his career. The 2023 second-round pick has had an increased role in each season in the Steel City. He has primarily lined up as a nose tackle, though he has found a lot of success as a pass rusher, registering a career-high five-and-a-half sacks in 2025. That stat has made many question his role though. Based on his size, he should be put in more flexible positions to succeed. 

Under the new coaching staff, it's clear they're trying to rectify some of the issues presented by the previous regime. That includes how Benton is utilized. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Chris Harlan highlighted how the new defensive line coach Domata Peko and Head Coach Mike McCarthy have discussed Benton's role in an article he wrote for the publication. 

"Benton is often asked to become an immovable object in the middle of the team’s defensive front. However, new defensive line coach Domata Peko has indicated this spring that there’s more versatility in Benton’s game beyond nose tackle. Peko, a 15-year NFL veteran, said he views Benton as capable of playing anywhere along the interior line. His boss, coach Mike McCarthy, has also expressed a desire to create position flexibility on the line," Harlan wrote. "A year ago, 85% of Benton’s snaps came at nose tackle or left defensive tackle, according to PFF. He’ll still be playing some nose tackle, but Peko suggested coaches may 'mix and match' more upfront." 

This is huge for Benton, who has shown so many flashes at times. He'll be able to prove his versatility, something he wasn't able to do consistently before. If his pass rush numbers can remain consistent, and he can improve in the run game, then he's primed for a big season. 

Benton, listed at six-foot-four, 309 pounds, is not the typical size for an NFL nose tackle, with many being slightly shorter and about 20-30 pounds heavier. He goes against the norm for the position. However, he is very athletic, which helps him out against slower guards and centers in pass rush, but in the run game, he is often outmatched on double teams. With this news that he'll be used in different ways, that will only set up the fourth-year defensive lineman for success. Benton has been used out of position for most of his NFL career thus far; hopefully, 2026 sees him put into a better situation. 

Steelers Have A Decision To Make With Benton

With the front office already locking up two key players from the 2023 draft class, Benton is one of the players still seeking a deal. It's unclear whether the team is going to get the deal done sooner rather than later. Benton's 2026 will have some major implications for his contract should the Steelers wait, or if he decides to test the market. 

If Benton can play to his strengths and continue to improve, he could be in for a bigger contract than some may think. The Steelers' 2023 draft class is still in for some paydays. 

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