The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a busy offseason when it comes to getting contract extensions done. Three of their top five draft picks from their 2023 draft class have signed long-term extensions with the team.
After declining the fifth-year option on offensive tackle Broderick Jones, Pittsburgh signed edge rusher Nick Herbig to a four-year, $100 million deal, followed by Darnell Washington getting a four-year, $42 million deal. And late Friday evening, Pittsburgh came to terms with defensive tackle Keeanu Benton on a four-year, $72 million extension.
During Benton’s press conference after the extension, Herbig was in attendance to support his close friend. He was asked about his close relationship with his fellow former Wisconsin Badger.
“We’ve been best friends since the day we met in college,” Herbig said, via Alan Saunders. “That’s like my brother.”
Fighting back tears, Herbig reminisced on the long road he and Benton have traveled together.
“Just everything we’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.”
Benton and Herbig have been teammates since 2020 when Herbig arrived at Wisconsin, making this season their seventh year together.
The Steelers’ 2023 class is one of the best in recent franchise history. They can complete the quartet of extensions by coming to terms with cornerback Joey Porter Jr, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal.
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