Why a Keeanu Benton Trade Could Make Perfect Sense for the Bears This Offseason
The Chicago Bears are still alive in the postseason after a hard-fought win over the Green Bay Packers, but let’s be honest - general manager Ryan Poles is already staring down a critical offseason. This team has made real progress, but to stay competitive in 2026 and beyond, the Bears will need to keep building, and that means making some tough decisions and bold moves. One of those moves could involve a potential trade target who just became a lot more available: Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton.
With longtime Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin stepping down, the Steelers could be headed for a reset. And when that happens, talented young players on rookie deals - like Benton - sometimes become available. If that door opens, Poles needs to be ready to walk through it.
Benton’s Fit in Chicago: More Than Just a Patch
Let’s start with the obvious: the Bears’ defensive line has work to do. Grady Jarrett is heading into his age-33 season, Gervon Dexter Sr. is approaching the end of his rookie deal with an unclear future, and Andrew Billings’ status is up in the air. This isn’t just about adding talent - it’s about reshaping a unit that could look very different in the next two years.
That’s where Benton comes in.
The 6'4", 309-pound former Wisconsin standout just put together a breakout season in Pittsburgh, tallying a career-high 33 pressures and seven sacks, per Pro Football Focus. That’s a big leap in production - three more sacks than his previous two seasons combined - and it came while the Steelers were primarily using him as a nose tackle.
That’s not exactly the best use of his skill set. Benton’s game is built on penetration, quickness off the snap, and disrupting plays in the backfield - not just holding the point of attack.
Think of it this way: he’s a sports car being asked to plow through mud. In the right system, and with the right role, Benton could be even more impactful. Chicago might just be that system.
Why the Timing Is Right
The stars might be aligning here. With Tomlin stepping away and Pittsburgh potentially entering a transitional phase, the Steelers could be more open to moving pieces they previously considered untouchable.
Benton was one of those guys. But a new coaching staff could have a different vision, and if Pittsburgh’s front office is looking to recoup draft capital or retool its roster, Benton could be on the move.
For the Bears, this is an opportunity to pounce. Benton still has one year left on his rookie deal, which makes him a low-risk, high-upside addition. And if he continues his upward trajectory, Chicago could look to lock him in long-term - giving them a disruptive presence on the interior for years to come.
There’s also a geographic bonus here: Benton grew up in Janesville, Wisconsin, just a couple hours north of Chicago. A return to the Midwest might not just be a good fit for the Bears - it could be appealing to the player himself.
What’s Next for Poles and the Bears?
Ryan Poles has shown patience in building this roster, but the Bears are no longer just a rebuilding team - they’re a playoff team with legitimate aspirations. That means the margin for error gets smaller, and the need for game-changing talent gets bigger. Benton isn’t a finished product - his run defense still needs refinement - but he offers more upside than what’s currently in the trenches.
If the Steelers are willing to listen, the Bears should be calling. Because in a league where defensive disruption is gold, Keeanu Benton might just be the kind of player who helps push Chicago from playoff contender to title threat.