The Pittsburgh Steelers originally thought they had taken a future star when Chase Claypool broke out during his rookie year back in 2020. Things went south rather quickly for the wideout, however, and he was traded during the 2022 season to the Chicago Bears for a second-round pick. Luckily, Omar Khan and the front office ended up receiving the first pick of the second round in the 2023 NFL Draft because of it. The result that followed was Joey Porter Jr. landing in the Steel City. Now, as he awaits a contract extension, there are some worries about where things stand.
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Pittsburgh Steelers star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) stands on the field while his teammates get a workout in during a 2026 training camp practice taking place at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Some might feel as if the Steelers not extending Porter would be foolish, but it's clear that the team and cornerback's camp aren't on the same page when it comes to a possible deal. There is not much time left before the start of the regular season, and Pittsburgh historically does not negotiate anything during the year once it has officially kicked off.
Something is going to have to give at some point. Either the defender will play the final year of his rookie deal and then be slapped with the franchise tag in 2027, or the Steelers could find a way to get something done. However, one recent possibility has come to light about Khan considering trade offers for the shutdown corner. This would be shocking, but it can't be ruled out just yet.
In a fan chat for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Tuesday, insider Gerry Dulac was asked if the franchise would take calls for one of its best young players. The answer was yes; however, there was a caveat. No one believes that some kind of transaction is imminent, although, there could be something on the horizon if someone is desperate.
"The Steelers have no plans whatsoever to trade JPJ," Dulac wrote. "But, as with just about any player, if another team comes with a ridiculous offer, then any trade is possible. Also, I don't think the word 'should' works there. Maybe 'would.' As in a No. 1 and a 2. Like I said, ridiculous."
The discussion about Porter continued when Dulac was questioned about the defender returning to the practice field. He is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, but that could change quickly if a deal is in place.
"I have to assume he will return in time for the season," Dulac noted. "He doesn't have many options, not if he thinks he will get top-five CB money."
It would be rather silly for the fourth-year player to sit out during the year if he does not get what he wants in any offer. That would be relatively unheard of from someone in his position.
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Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan stands on the field surface and looks off into the distance as the team participates in a 2026 training camp practice at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Khan will have to make a decision sooner rather than later with the clock ticking. Dulac gave more insight into what the Steelers could be thinking when internally discussing options.
"I think Joey is a nice player and I like him, too," Dulac wrote. "Kind of hard to 'break the bank,' as you suggest, for a player who has never made the Pro Bowl and is highly penalized. And those just aren't my thoughts."
If the front office and Porter are really far apart on an annual average value basis or guaranteed money, a trade could make sense for both parties. With that said, the insider doesn't think that is more likely at this time.
"I think you and a lot of others are overestimating the trade value of JPJ," Dulac noted. "Let me remind all that Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan rejected a ton of trade offers for their 32nd overall pick in 2023 so they could draft Porter."
Steelers Would Be Making A Big Mistake With Porter
Time will tell what Pittsburgh decides to do, but there is no doubt that the corner is likely asking for roughly $30 million per year or more. This might not be where the Steelers' decision-makers have him slotted when it comes to his worth. It could get ugly, and if a random team comes in with some kind of insane offer, a shocking deal could be in the works. That, however, might be a big mistake on the organization's end because of just how dominant Porter was in 2025.
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