The Pittsburgh Steelers have a talented group of players from their 2023 NFL Draft class who are eligible for contract extensions. The front office has some big personnel decisions to make based on the group, as it includes multiple starters. The Black and Gold are projected to have an abundance of cap space in 2027, and they'll surely need that if they want to extend some of their young stars. Some of these players include the likes of Joey Porter Jr., Nick Herbig, Darnell Washington, and Broderick Jones, among others.
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Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (#24) on the field during the team's 2023 minicamp at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
Arguably, the biggest and potentially most expensive contract extension is Porter's. He has quickly become a rising star in the Steel City, having a true breakout season in 2025. The young cornerback limited his penalties, something that had plagued him in his first two seasons. He hasn't allowed a touchdown in coverage since 2023 and has become one of the league's top defensive backs.
NFL corners have been demanding a lot of money, and based on Porter's age and skill, he could end up being one of the highest-paid corners. Pittsburgh has a history of not investing a whole lot in some of their corner's second contracts. Porter might be just too good to pass up. However, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly hinted that the Steelers re-signing Porter isn't a guarantee yet. Kaboly made this claim on an episode of Kaboly + Mack when he and his co-host discussed the vital 2023 draft class extensions.
"You can't sign them all. The more and more I think back to talking to Omar Khan at the owners' meeting, I brought up to him who he could potentially sign, to me... it wasn't a slam dunk. 'Of course, Joey Porter!'" Kaboly said.
Porter's deal not being done yet could be purely based on the Steelers' need to focus on the draft and their new coaching regime change. However, with such a large deal like this, fans and pundits want answers. Pittsburgh's front office hasn't spoken much about a new contract with its best corner. The timeline could be set up for after the draft, but the Steelers brass might want to act quickly, as Porter, as well as the rest of the defensive back market, will continue to see their prices rise.
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Steelers rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. intercepts a pass against the Baltimore Ravens in a Week 5 victory at Acrisure Stadium
The Steelers' defense needs its shutdown cornerback for the future. The financial investment in Porter is obvious, but with his physical play style and his Pittsburgh roots, he would be a no-brainer to retain. AFC North football is tough, and Porter thrives in those conditions. He has greatly improved all aspects of his game, including his tackling, which many were concerned about after his rookie season. His growth has shown out in big moments, and if the Steelers want to maintain their reputation for elite defense, then they need a clear lockdown corner.
Steelers Could Already Have The Secondary Of The Future
The Steelers signed cornerback Jamel Dean at the start of the 2026 offseason. Dean is coming off one of his best career years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was consequently signed to a three-year deal with Pittsburgh. Dean and Porter lead a secondary that offers some valuable depth, and if Porter were to stay in the Steel City, the two could be a great tandem for years to come.
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Newly acquired Steelers cornerback Jamel Dean played in Super Bowl LV during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Steelers hope that the duo can help bolster their defense, which took a step back in 2025. The idea is that the team has two physical corners who aren't afraid to hit and be involved in the run game just as much as the pass. Pittsburgh will hope to get back to its historic way of being a dominant force on the defensive side of the ball. Extending Porter and maintaining an elite duo in the secondary would only help their cause.
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