The Kansas City Chiefs enter the trade deadline window with a clear short‑term need: interior defensive line help. League analysts and local insiders have flagged defensive tackle depth in the form of Pittsburgh Steelers’ Keeanu Benton as a priority for a club that ranks well overall but remains vulnerable against the run and light on interior penetration.
Chiefs decision makers have already tinkered with the group, re‑adding a veteran presence and rotating personnel, yet sack and hurry totals lag relative to elite pass‑rush units. That imbalance becomes acute in matchup planning, where opponent run success forces schematic compromises and places additional strain on linebackers and secondary coverage. The result is more third‑and‑long situations that favour opposing quarterbacks.
Kansas City Chiefs, Keeanu Benton, Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL, ESPN
Oct 12, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) reacts as he takes the field against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Speculation has coalesced around a handful of realistic targets who could be moved for manageable draft compensation. One name that surfaced in trade chatter is Benton who fits a Chiefs scheme built on penetration rather than pure nose‑up run stopping. Analysts note that he could benefit from a change of environment, where different role expectations and coaching emphasis might unlock more consistent disruption.
Any trade for interior help would hinge on cost and fit. The Chiefs appear willing to engage in short‑term gambits for veteran pieces rather than surrender premium picks, preferring low‑risk additions that can contribute immediately. That approach aligns with their broader personnel philosophy of pairing homegrown stars with targeted veteran upgrades to maintain a championship window.
NFL Analysis Predicts Kansas City Chiefs To Go For Pittsburgh Steelers’ Keeanu Benton Before Deadline
Kansas City Chiefs, Keeanu Benton, Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL, ESPN
Sep 14, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) arrives for a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
As it stands, Kansas City may go for Benton before the deadline ends. This is detailed more in an analysis by Ben Solak for ESPN.
Who could be targeted? Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton. I’m not sure Pittsburgh is ready to trade the 2023 second-round pick, as he has flashed and remains a starter this season. But Benton has been a liability in run defense and is miscast in his nose tackle responsibilities; he would benefit from playing in a front that’s oriented on penetration. The Chiefs need defensive tackle help across the board, so a gamble on Benton feels appropriate. — Solak
With a meaningful road test looming and the deadline fast approaching, Kansas City must weigh urgency against preserving long‑term draft capital. The club’s recent streak and playoff positioning give it leverage, but front‑office executives know that missteps at the deadline can ripple into future roster cycles.
Kansas City Chiefs, Keeanu Benton, Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL, ESPN
Aug 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) reacts during player introductions against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
For now, the consensus is straightforward: bolster the interior if a fair option emerges. A timely addition along the defensive tackle rotation in the form of Benton would shore up short‑term vulnerabilities and complement the Chiefs’ long‑term defensive blueprint. The decision will reveal whether the franchise prioritises immediate upgrade over asset conservation as the postseason race tightens.
Kansas City Chiefs, Keeanu Benton, Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL, ESPN
Jul 23, 2025; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton arrives to training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
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