Steelers Facing Expensive Reality In Joey Porter Jr Contract Negotiations

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the offseason with a big class seeking their second contracts in the NFL. Over the last few days, they managed to complete a couple of them, signing Nick Herbig and Darnell Washington to extensions. Herbig got the most money, signing a four-year contract worth $100 million ($42 million guaranteed), and Washington received a deal of similar length, but it was worth $42 million ($21 million guaranteed). The team stayed busy Thursday morning by signing Robert Tonyan to a one-year deal, but that reportedly isn't the only thing the Steelers have been active with.

Pittsburgh is still trying to negotiate contracts for Keeanu Benton and Joey Porter Jr. Both defensive players are in active talks with the organization about a deal, with a lot of attention around Porter Jr. He wants to be a Steeler, no doubt, and he wants to be out on the field. However, he is going to wait until he gets paid what he believes he's worth. That has involved sitting out at practice waiting for a deal to happen. Porter Jr. believes that he is an elite cornerback, and with that identity, comes a high price tag.

His production on the field ranks him among the best in the league. Last season, he was seventh in the league in pass breakups with 11 and had an interception. As one of the top guys at the position, the speculation of money has been all over the place, ranging around $25 million, but Steelers reporter Jeff Hatthorn of 93.7 the Fan claimed an even higher price, which would fall under top five in the league among cornerbacks. 

"I think [Porter Jr.] wants top five [money]," Hatthorn explained on 93.7 the Fan Thursday. "He talked about respect and what he's earned... I think the total amount is going to depend on the number of years and what the guarantee is. I'm sure the Steelers want control and want many years. Joey might have a different thought process."

As Hatthorn explained, this can go a few ways. Porter Jr. could sign a team-friendly deal, and go for more years at a set rate. 

On the other hand, he could take a gamble and sign a shorter deal in an attempt to get a higher annual value. If the Steelers don't go as high as Porter Jr. wants, then he might do that. He has some leverage on the Steelers too in that regard. 

"The trickiest is Porter, especially after they signed Herbig," Hatthorn stated. "You can imagine Porter's agent walks in and says, there's $25 million [to Herbig], my guy is on the field every snap. You can put him on a corner, he's improving. $32 [million] is the ceiling. We feel like painting a ceiling right now, or pretty close to it. That's going to be an interesting negotiation."

Based on what Herbig just received, Hatthorn makes a valid point. Porter Jr. has made more of an impact and has played more snaps, warranting more money. Given that the Steelers just handed out $25 million annual average value to Herbig, that extension may inflate the price for Porter Jr. The point of this isn't saying that Herbig doesn't deserve a pay day, which he does considering the importance of edge rushers and the Steelers' elite group, it is just something that may make Porter Jr. more expensive.

Steelers Must Decide Soon On Porter Jr.

A deal with Porter Jr. could get finalized very soon. He wants to be on the field and the Steelers want to have an elite, young corner in their organization for many years to come. Hatthorn's report provides a clearer picture of where negotiations could be headed. 

With all the money handed out these last few days, hopefully Porter Jr. takes a team-friendly deal and Pittsburgh has more flexibility to spend -- but that's looking doubtful.

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