The Pittsburgh Steelers are hopeful to watch cornerback Joey Porter Jr. take a big leap in his third season in the league. When Porter was drafted by the Steelers in the 2023 NFL Draft, he came in with high expectations. He quickly showed flashes of his potential and gave fans a reason to be excited about his future. As a physical, confident, and aggressive defender, Porter looked like the kind of corner Pittsburgh has been missing for years.

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Former Penn State standout cornerback Joey Porter Jr. pictured on draft night in 2023 just before not being taken in round one with the night after being the moment he was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the NFL Draft.
Now entering a critical year, Porter’s performance in 2025 will carry major implications. With the cornerback market continuing to rise and elite defensive backs commanding massive contracts, the Steelers need to decide whether Porter is their long-term answer. A breakout season would strengthen his case for a contract extension. Anything less could leave the front office with difficult decisions next offseason.
So far, Porter is making a strong impression. On Wednesday, several Steelers insiders in attendance at training camp reported that Porter has been one of the most dominant players on the field. His physicality in coverage, improved technique, and growing confidence have stood out as he consistently shuts down receivers. If he continues at this pace, Porter could solidify himself as one of the top young cornerbacks in the NFL.
First padded camp skirmish: Joey Porter Jr. vs a WR. Couldn’t see who, but so far Aaron Rodgers’ picks of Frazier and McCormick haven’t been involved in a scuffle today.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) July 30, 2025
JPJ was all over the run in this period, too. He swallowed up Warren on first rep and stopped KJ on the third
During the run portion of 11 on 11, Porter made his presence felt in a big way. He was flying around the field, stuffing running back Jaylen Warren at the line for a loss of four yards and stopping Kaleb Johnson in his tracks just a few plays later. But Porter was not just making noise in run defense. He also looked sharp in coverage. According to reports from camp, his tackling has taken a noticeable leap and is beginning to look like a true strength in his game.

Benjamin B. Braun / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Joey Porter Jr makes a tackle on Browns' Jerry Jeudy in Week 14 of the 2024 NFL season.
Several Steelers insiders also highlighted Porter’s strong performance against star wide receiver DK Metcalf. Porter did an impressive job staying close in coverage, showing physicality and discipline throughout practice. On the few plays where Metcalf got the upper hand, veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey was seen coaching Porter from the sideline. He pointed out what went wrong and explained how to correct it.
The interaction between Ramsey and Porter showed just how seriously Porter is approaching his development. He is taking full advantage of every opportunity to improve, and early signs from training camp suggest he is on track to become a major force in the Steelers’ secondary.
Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. Gunning For A True Breakout Season In 2025
It’s no secret that Porter has the confidence and edge to become one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks. However, he needs to match that confidence with consistent on-field production. While Porter has performed reasonably well up to this point, there’s another level he must reach. That’s the message he’s received from both Head Coach Mike Tomlin and secondary coach Gerald Alexander.
Both coaches have expressed strong belief in Porter’s potential to become a true superstar in this league, and the early portions of training camp are beginning to reflect that confidence. He’s also benefiting from the presence of veteran stars like Darius Slay and Ramsey, who are in town to mentor and guide him through this next stage of his development.

CBS
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. looks on from the sideline during an away matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, staying locked in as he studies the opposing offense and prepares for his next defensive series.
It’s an exciting and fortunate position for Porter to be in so early in his career. Surrounded by elite talent and trusted by the coaching staff, he’ll look to take full advantage of the opportunity and put together a true breakout season in 2025.
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