Sources: Joey Porter Jr And Steelers Are Not Close To Big Extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been throwing money around all offseason. During mandatory minicamp, they inked edge rusher Nick Herbig to a $100 million extension, as well as tight end Darnell Washington to a $42 million deal. Both of these four-year contracts that take effect in 2027 are surprisingly team-friendly with the small amount of guaranteed money at signing, as well as the sheer amount of upside that both men have. Either way, that's two fewer hold-ins for Pittsburgh to deal with as Organized Team Activities (OTAs) start back up soon. 

However, the Steelers still have another player seemingly holding-in, and it may be somewhat self-inflicted. In his latest column in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, insider Gerry Dulac revealed what sources said about negotiations between Pittsburgh and star cornerback Joey Porter Jr..

"Porter is one of two remaining players headed into the final year of his contract who has not been given a new deal," Dulac said. "Part of the reason is the Steelers have not had serious discussions yet with the former Penn State cornerback and his representatives, sources told the Post-Gazette."

Of all the players due for an extension, it could easily be argued that Porter is the most important player to lock up long-term. Shutdown corners that never truly get burnt don't grow on trees, and the former top pick of the second round has only allowed one touchdown in his entire career. Say what you want about the penalties, but there won't be many complaints about it when generational receivers are getting shut down by No. 24.

In 2025, Porter allowed a 48.5% completion percentage against him while only giving up 333 yards all season long. With the 14 games he played that season, that averages out to under 24 yards per game. He only gets targeted 4-5 times per game and allows 2-3 receptions per contest. Those aren't just elite numbers; this is a superstar talent with how he's shutting everyone down.

That makes it confusing as to why the Steelers have not engaged in "serious discussions" with him and his agent. Losing him would be a massive blow to the defense, and replacing his production would be incredibly difficult. It would be awesome if rookie Daylen Everette could develop into a similar player, but that is not guaranteed in the slightest. To truly be dominant on defense, Pittsburgh needs Porter.

With a player of Porter's caliber, extension talks are expected to take a long time. It's better to start as soon as possible with this in mind, especially with the Steelers' self-made rule of never negotiating during the regular season. Porter wants to be paid like a top-five player at his position at the bare minimum, and that would still be a well-deserved payday for someone of his caliber.

Steelers Don't Have Much Leverage In This Scenario

With everything mentioned before, the Steelers need to start negotiations as soon as possible as mentioned. Porter is an elite player whose talent can't simply be replicated by anyone else. If they try to wait it out, there is always the chance that another cornerback gets a significant payday, which would increase his asking price. The fact that they made the rule of not negotiating in-season also makes it easier for him to stand firm on his demands. 

The Steelers need Porter way more than he needs them. He can replicate his production on another team if it somehow comes to that, but Pittsburgh can't fill his shoes easily. If he's asking for less than $30 million per year, General Manager Omar Khan needs to get that done before it's too late. It's okay if he has the majority of his contract guaranteed at signing. He deserves it.

What do you think about the Steelers not having "serious" negotiations with Porter yet? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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