Entering his fourth NFL season, Pittsburgh Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. has made serious strides. He’s even quieted concerns over his frequent penalties. But the one narrative that still sits against him is a lack of interceptions and takeaways. In 2026, Porter’s aim is to change that story, too.
Appearing on the Blueprint podcast in a full interview posted to the show’s YouTube channel on Monday, Porter outlined his 2026 goals.
“Keep the main thing the main thing,” he told the show. “Keep elevating my game and not getting complacent. That’s the main thing I’m working on. How I’m going to lock down these dudes and get turnovers? I feel like that’s the next step. Getting them turnovers. That shit’s gonna come. I’m going to start getting those.”
Through three seasons, Porter hasn’t gotten many. He has three career interceptions, one in each season. His first takeaway was his most memorable: taking a ball away from Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson that was intended for WR Odell Beckham Jr. in a crucial Steelers victory.
Porter’s 2025 pick came to close out an upset win over the Indianapolis Colts. But his picks can be counted on one hand. To receive true NFL accolades, Pro Bowl and All-Pro votes, not to mention the inherent value of turnovers, Porter’s resume has one void.
His lack of splash plays dates back to college. At Penn State, Porter notched just one pick. His hands aren’t bad, but he simply hasn’t made enough splash plays with the ball in the air. Since being drafted, his nearly 2,700 defensive snaps are fourth-most by an NFL cornerback with three or fewer picks.
Interceptions can be fickle. One bounce of the ball, one offensive miscommunication, one right-place, right-time can make the difference between an “average” two-interception year and a “great” four-pick one. Porter’s focus, as he first noted, is playing within his game and challenging the No. 1 faces he regularly faces.
Still, interceptions can be worked on and improved. More time on the JUGs machine. Better technique with the ball in the air. Porter’s already taken strides in getting his head back to the ball that cut down on his flags. Turning those into interceptions is logical and crucial to Porter being perceived as a top-five cornerback in the NFL.
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