The Pittsburgh Steelers are scheduled to offer a big contract extension later in the 2026 season. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has established himself as one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks due to his tight press coverage while playing on an island on almost every play. Now entering his fourth season in the NFL, the front management will undoubtedly want to retain him for the long term. It is preferable to complete the extension sooner rather than later, so that his fee does not skyrocket.
During his appearance on The BluePrint Podcast, Porter explained why he believes he is still being disrespected after three outstanding seasons.
That is what people actually criticize my game for: the [pass interferences] and penalties. However, it’s like, ‘Y’all hold no other DB under that microscope or grade them based on that,’ Porter remarked. I haven’t allowed a touchdown in three years. No wide receiver has ever gained more than 50 or 60 yards on my head alone, and I travel with the best of them, and they want to discuss penalties… Even to call up penalties this year, I had five, totaling 50-something yards. Are you suggesting that I am not in the Top 5 due to the 50 yards of penalties I incurred? Like, that’s crazy.
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Porter also admitted to the large number of penalties he received in 2024, which was a bad season for him by his own standards. However, he dominated following his return from early-season injury. In 2023, there was disagreement over whether he surrendered a touchdown, since a miscommunication enabled a receiver to get wide open for a score. The stats indicate that he gave up, but he does not believe so.
Regardless, Porter was practically unstoppable in 2025. In 14 games, he gave up 32 completions at a 48. 5% completion percentage, 332 yards, and no touchdowns for the second consecutive season. That’s an average of slightly more than two receptions for just under 24 yards per game. With those stats, the Steelers will have no trouble handling a holding penalty from him every now and then.
Porter also had 14 passes defended and one interception. Even when passes are delivered properly, the standout corner is strong enough to make a play on the ball, regardless of whether he passes through the receiver or gets in front of him. If he does allow a completion, it is most likely a quick hitter that he tackles or he was playing soft coverage, which is one of his greatest weaknesses as a defender.
Steelers may use the disrespect of Porter to their advantage.
Given the NFL’s disdain for Porter, they might be able to persuade him to cut his next extension by a small amount. Pittsburgh may be able to get away with not paying him top dollar if other front offices do not regard him as a top-five cornerback. The star defensive back has made it quite obvious how he views himself, thus talks between the two groups will be fascinating to follow.
As of April 2026, teammate Jalen Ramsey is the fifth-highest-paid cornerback in the league, despite the fact that he switched to safety in the middle of the 2025 season. He earns an average of around $24 million per year. Lately, top cornerback contracts have been worth more than $30 million per year, with the top three players at that position earning or surpassing that amount. Will Porter receive that much, or will the Steelers persuade him to settle for less than Ramsey?
