"Always Something We're Working On": Steelers' Omar Khan Teases Joey Porter Jr Extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers have several important financial decisions approaching, but none may be more complicated than the future of Joey Porter Jr. Pittsburgh selected Porter with the 32nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, hoping he could eventually become the organization’s next long-term cornerback. Porter has developed into one of the league’s most promising young defensive backs. He has not yet reached the absolute top tier of NFL cornerbacks, but his size, physicality and ability to cover opposing receivers have made him an important piece of Pittsburgh’s defense.

Steelers fans have been begging to learn more about the organization’s plans for Porter. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and the cornerback market continues becoming more expensive. Denzel Ward recently pushed the top of the market to $31.1 million per season, creating another intimidating math problem for the important decision-makers to solve. 

Over the years, General Manager Omar Khan has become known as something of a financial wizard, but even he can occasionally struggle while navigating the business side of the NFL. The Steelers and Porter were reportedly not close on an extension earlier in the offseason. Khan has remained quiet about specific negotiations, but he offered an intriguing update while speaking on SiriusXM NFL Radio during Saturday night’s training camp practice.

"You know, we really don’t like to discuss the specifics publicly," Khan said. "But, you know, there is always something out there that we are working on."

That answer does not confirm that Pittsburgh and Porter are approaching an agreement. However, Khan acknowledging that the organization is always working on something leaves the door open. His history also gives Steelers fans reason to remain patient because Khan has completed significant contracts without publicly sharing every detail beforehand.

The problem is that the clock is moving quickly. Pittsburgh has traditionally refused to negotiate contracts once the regular season begins. Khan confirmed that rule remains in place, giving both sides only a few weeks to determine whether common ground can be found.

"You know, we have the rule that once the season starts, we don’t do any contracts and we focus on football," Khan said. "There are still a few weeks left, so we will see how that goes."

Khan did not close the door, but he did establish a clear deadline. Once Pittsburgh begins playing meaningful football, negotiations will stop and Porter will enter the final season of his rookie deal without any long-term security.

That would create a dangerous gamble for the Steelers. If Porter takes another significant step in 2026, his asking price will only increase. Pittsburgh could find itself negotiating against a more expensive cornerback market while Porter moves closer to unrestricted free agency.

Steelers Should Pay Joey Porter Jr. Now

Khan needs to find a way to complete this deal before the 2026 season begins. Porter may not currently be the best cornerback in football, but Pittsburgh would be paying for what he can become throughout his next contract. Waiting for him to completely prove it will only make the decision more expensive.

There are also consequences beyond the final dollar amount. Allowing the situation to extend through the season could create an unnecessary distraction around a defense already carrying enormous expectations. If no agreement is reached afterward, Pittsburgh could eventually face a franchise-tag battle or risk allowing an ascending player to test the market.

Porter has leverage because young, starting-caliber cornerbacks are incredibly difficult to replace. Yes, 2026 third-round pick Daylen Everette has seemingly looked good so far. That doesn't mean anything when it comes to Porter's future. The Steelers have improved their secondary depth, but that does not mean they should feel comfortable losing the player they drafted to become its foundation. 

The smartest financial decisions are not always the cheapest ones. Sometimes a team must pay early because waiting creates greater risk. Khan still has time, just as he stated, but that time is running thin. Pittsburgh should bet on Porter’s development and complete the extension now. If he continues improving throughout 2026, today’s expensive contract could quickly become tomorrow’s bargain.

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