Steelers’ NFL Combine Actions Hint At Unsettling News For Joey Porter Jr. Following Elite Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team to watch with the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, especially since the organization is projected to have 12 selections in the event. The biggest need for the organization is quarterback, but that probably won't get fixed during the 2026 offseason. Outside of the signal-caller, Pittsburgh is going to need to bring in some serious talent at wide receiver, while the defensive line could also be addressed. The secondary needs to be patched up as well. The Steelers obviously have a ton of holes to fill while trying to get back into legitimate contention within the AFC.

A position the Steelers have shown a ton of interest in throughout the first days at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine has been cornerback. This does not come as a surprise as the franchise does need a CB to play opposite Joey Porter Jr., who is eligible for an extension during the 2026 offseason. The other two cornerbacks that saw some significant playing time for Pittsburgh in 2025 on the outside were James Pierre and Asante Samuel Jr. Both of them are scheduled to become free agents in March, so the Steelers seem to be preparing for the departure of one, or both players.

The Steelers have had formal meetings with several high-end cornerbacks at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. The organization has met with National Champion D'Angelo Ponds, Clemson star Avieon Terrell, as well as Tennessee cornerbacks Colton Hood and Jermod McCoy. The meetings paired with the insights from some analysts make cornerback seem like a strong possibility for Pittsburgh in the first round, and NFL Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah shared that while speaking with the media.

"The Steelers? They've done a good job with the offensive and defensive line, they need some skill," Jeremiah said. "So, getting another receiver, finding a corner. After focusing on bigs, I think they go little."

Pittsburgh has placed an obvious emphasis on the trenches over the last few offseasons. This time around, wide receiver is a clear option in the first round, but there is a chance that wide receivers fly off the board. If that is the case, cornerback could be next up for Pittsburgh. The franchise should have options in the first round, and it seems like the organization is doing its due diligence at the position.

While it is no question that the Steelers should probably draft a cornerback, it is hard not to wonder what the impact might be on Porter or the pair of pending free agents at the position. If the Steelers double dip at cornerback with two of their top-five selections in the first 100 picks of the event, it is fair to assume that the organization might be a bit hesitant when it comes to extending Porter. He should be paid at the top of the cornerback market, but an extension probably won't come until later on in the summer. Multiple top cornerback selections might put that in jeopardy, though.

The Steelers probably already have their mind made up on Samuel and Pierre, but both players may want to test their markets in free agency. That could leave the organization with a bigger need at the position, which might result in more of the selections being cornerbacks.

Steelers Can't Let Draft Strategy Affect Situation With Joey Porter Jr.

Porter has proven himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and the Steelers need to extend him before the 2026 season. That should be the case even if the organization uses all 12 of its projected picks on the cornerback position. The Steelers have had some messy contract situations in the past, and it is important that this one goes smoothly and efficiently.

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