Steelers Know Joey Porter Jr. Price Tag - Time to Pay It

Now, the Pittsburgh Steelers know the price tag they have to hit to finalize an extension with their top defensive back.

Jul 30, 2026; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) observes training camp drills at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have taken care of business this summer, with one notable exception. The 2023 draft class has quickly turned into one of the most successful recent ones, and now three of those draftees have inked their second contracts with the organization. 

Meanwhile, the most important player from that class and the Steelers remain far off in contract negotiations. Star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has been out of commission with a back injury suffered at the start of training camp and he’s also the last domino waiting to fall. Porter Jr. is seeking a huge deal that pays him along the lines of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL, while the organization has dug their heels in on an unknown salary range. 

Things keep getting more complicated after the Seattle Seahawks and Devon Witherspoon agreed to a mega-deal that guarantees him over $100 million. The Steelers were hoping that the market would stop climbing and help them get Porter Jr. at a cheaper rate, but that hope is out the window. Now, the Steelers know that $30 million per season is the number they have to hit to finalize an extension with their top defensive back. 

Why $30 Million Is the Number for Steelers and Porter Jr.

The $30 million mark has long been expected to be the target Porter Jr. and his camp are seeking, but the Steelers haven't budged in these negotiations.

When these talks first started, the Steelers may have been right to refuse his ask. The market was about to explode, and the organization was understandable hesitant to be the ones to set things off.

The problem is that now that concern has been realized. The cornerback market has indeed, exploded. Witherspoon just became the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, and New England Patriots star Christian Gonzalez is next in line. Not only that, players like Cleveland Browns leader Denzel Ward also cashed in this summer.

That means the price for the top corners has officially gone up, but the Steelers are still acting as if the market is the same as when these negotiations started.

Aug 13, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) watches the game against the Green Bay Packers during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Porter Jr. Is Worth It

Here’s the thing - Porter Jr. is worth the money. Yes, his potential deal will be expensive. Yes, the Steelers will be once again paying big money to a member of the 2023 draft class.

But that’s okay. Porter Jr. is a top five cornerback in the entire league. That’s not hyperbole or exaggeration to say that. He’s been a blanket in coverage and he’s still improving.

Pay the man, Pittsburgh Steelers. The holdout was valiant and understandable, but it’s time to pay Porter Jr. what he’s worth and end this contract stalemate.

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