Joey Porter Jr
Getty
Joey Porter Jr. feels he is unfairly criticized for penalties.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a massive NFL Draft ahead of themselves. With 12 picks at their disposal and with Pittsburgh being the host city, this organization is going to be at the center of attention less than two weeks from now. Furthermore, the team will also have some decisions to make about the futures of players who are already in the building.
Steelers insider Mark Kaboly believes several players could be considered major priorities for the team as it looks to hand out some extensions. One player who could be on top of this list is none other than Joey Porter Jr.
The Pittsburgh Steelers Should Extend Joey Porter Jr. Immediately
Joey Porter Jr. Asante Samuel Jr.
GettyJoey Porter Jr. was drafted in the second round out of Penn State in 2023.
Here is what Kaboly wrote on social media on Wednesday about what the Steelers should be thinking in terms of an extension for Porter:
“(Porter) has to be on top of their to-do list right after the draft at the end of the month. All energy and focus have to be put on locking him up long-term before anybody else, on what is a deep list of players to consider…A three-year extension (four total years) worth a total of $100 million could be where this ultimately ends up.”
On the cusp of turning 26 years of age, Porter is just about to hit his prime. The former Nittany Lion recorded a career-high 14 pass deflections and his first career sack. He is going to be one of the notable players that new head coach Mike McCarthy will rely on heavily to lead the defense in 2026. The versatility and physicality that he possesses don’t just grow on trees. Pittsburgh needs to extend him as soon as possible.
The Steelers Look to Improve Defense in 2026
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely
GettyJoey Porter Jr. helped guide the Steelers to their first division title in five seasons last year.
In Mike Tomlin’s final season, the Steelers were able to win the AFC North after posting a 10-7 record. It extended Tomlin’s historic streak of consecutive seasons with a .500-or-better record to 19. The defense was a major topic of discussion throughout the season. With an offense that lacked some creativity and speed on one side of the ball, Tomlin’s defense needed to be dominant if the Steelers wanted to make a Super Bowl run. Unfortunately, it was anything but.
The Steelers finished the 2025 season ranked 26th in total defense, which is part of the reason why it was amazing that they won 10 games. Now, although the defense as a whole may have struggled for much of the season, it was very opportunistic. Pittsburgh finished fourth in the league in takeaways (27) and second in fumble recoveries (12).
The likes of Porter, edge-rusher T.J. Watt, defensive tackle Cam Heyward, and linebacker Patrick Queen have had a major hand in trying to stifle opposing offenses over the last few seasons together. Heading into a new era with McCarthy, the Steelers need to think about how their defense can be successful. Part of that starts with extending Porter.