The Pittsburgh Steelers have successfully extended several important members of their 2023 draft class, but their most difficult negotiation remains unresolved. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is entering the final season of his rookie contract without the long-term security that teammates Nick Herbig, Darnell Washington and Keeanu Benton have already received.
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Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. on the sideline during training camp in 2026.
If no extension is reached, Porter is scheduled to play the 2026 season on a base salary of $3.924 million before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2027. That is substantial money in ordinary circumstances, but it is a fraction of Porter's potential value on the modern cornerback market.
Steelers legends James Harrison and Joe Haden discussed that risk Tuesday morning on Deebo & Joe. Haden made it clear that he would not play for approximately $4 million if he were in Porter's position. Harrison immediately agreed, putting his love for Pittsburgh aside because he views Porter as family.
"Listen, listen, that's blood to me," Harrison said. "Nephew, I'm sorry. I love the Steelers, but you are mine. You are family. You are blood. Listen, no. Take care of home. I can't have you running around taking a chance on stuff. What are we talking about?"
Harrison remains close with Porter's father, Joey Porter Sr., after the two played together in Pittsburgh. That relationship explains why Harrison calls the younger Porter his nephew and why his advice carries more weight than ordinary commentary from a former player.
Porter has demonstrated enough ability to command a massive extension, but one serious injury could affect his leverage before he reaches free agency. Playing an entire season without long-term protection would require him to accept nearly all of that risk. Harrison also acknowledged the difference between what he would advise Porter and what he might say if he were negotiating on behalf of Pittsburgh.
"Now, if I'm the GM, I may be telling you a little of anything and everything to get you to do something," Harrison said. "I ain't gonna lie to you. But nephew, man, I bet you his daddy [Joey Porter Sr.] ain't telling him nothing about stepping on that field. I am for the Steelers, but not at the expense of my family losing in any possibility."
That statement raises the stakes surrounding the negotiation. Harrison and Haden believe Porter has already done enough to warrant financial protection. If the Steelers cannot complete an extension before the regular season, both former defenders believe Porter should protect himself rather than play under his current salary.
Pittsburgh's longstanding policy makes the timeline even more important. The organization traditionally stops negotiating player contracts once the regular season begins. That leaves General Manager Omar Khan with a narrowing window to prevent a season-long dispute.
Steelers Should Trust Khan To Complete Porter Extension
The hottest prediction is that Khan will find a way to finish this deal. Pittsburgh's general manager built his reputation through his understanding of contracts, cap management and creative structures. A heavily prorated signing bonus could provide Porter with immediate security while keeping the early cap charges manageable.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan in the team's war room during the 2023 NFL Draft.
Khan could also restructure contracts belonging to highly paid veterans, including TJ Watt, to create additional flexibility. That would allow Pittsburgh to backload Porter's extension without sacrificing the roster it has assembled for a championship push in 2026. The Steelers have already committed significant money to Herbig, Washington and Benton. Allowing Porter to become the lone cornerstone of that class without an extension would feel incomplete, particularly when he plays one of the NFL's most valuable positions.
Harrison is approaching this situation as family, while Khan must approach it as a general manager. Their priorities are different, but the best outcome satisfies both sides. Porter receives the protection he has earned, and Pittsburgh retains a young cornerback entering his prime. Somehow, Khan will make the numbers work. Until he does, Harrison's warning ensures every practice and preseason snap Porter takes will carry considerably more meaning.
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