The Steelers have several key players hitting free agency, but Joey Porter Jr. needs to be a top priority entering a contract year. That seems to be the consensus among beat writers, even though that business doesn’t come until the summer, typically. And realistically, they’re not wrong, especially relative to the alternatives.
The Steelers selected Joey Porter Jr. 32nd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. For most of his career, he has been a full-time starter, though not without some highs and lows. He has had struggles with tackling and penalties, but he is strong in coverage. He hasn’t given up a touchdown in years, and—well, they don’t have another cornerback at his level.
As a second-round pick going into his fourth season, Porter is in a contract year. And that means if the Steelers don’t sign him to an extension now, he is eligible for free agency in 2027. And if they have to bid for him in free agency, they could easily lose him to a higher bidder.
“Joey Porter Jr., I think, in a lot of ways has the leverage over the Steelers”, Brian Batko said on the #1 Cochran Sports Showdown last night. “I mean, what else do they have coming back at cornerback, let alone someone as young and ascending as he is”?
Porter’s rookie deal totals out at $11,480,754 over four years, including a $3,924,000 2026 base salary. Ray Fittipaldo, part of the same panel, speculated his value would be in the $18-20 million APY range. At $20 million per season, he would be just inside the 10 highest-paid cornerbacks
“He’s deserving”, Fittipaldo said of Porter meriting a top-10 contract. “You don’t want to lose him now. You don’t want him to hit free agency next year. Sign him now, take the hit, and bet on his talent”.
The Steelers sought last offseason to pair him with some star power. They signed Darius Slay in free agency and traded for Jalen Ramsey. But Slay didn’t even make it out of the season, and Ramsey moved to safety. Even before he moved to safety, he primarily played in the slot.
While Porter is under contract, the Steelers have CBs Asante Samuel Jr. and James Pierre hitting free agency. By the time they get around to negotiations with Porter, they will have obviously addressed the position. They could re-sign one or both of the aforementioned or add other veterans. They could add through the draft, as well.
But the Steelers would still know that Joey Porter Jr. is the best cornerback they have under contract. He did take a big step forward this year, and it’s time to pay for his services. I think he knows he won’t see Patrick Surtain II money, but he’s certainly not taking any hometown discounts either. Especially not with “Uncle” Mike Tomlin no longer there.
Recommended for you