Behind the Steel Curtain
The Pittsburgh Steelers have already taken care of business with two key members of their 2023 draft class, signing outside linebacker Nick Herbig to a four-year, $100 million extension and tight end Darnell Washington to a four-year extension that keeps him in Pittsburgh through the 2029 season.
Could cornerback Joey Porter Jr. be next?
According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, Porter is among a select group of young cornerbacks who could soon reshape the financial landscape at the position.
“There is no shortage of viable candidates here given that the 2023 draft delivered an excellent crop of cornerbacks, all of whom became eligible for extensions this spring,” Barnwell wrote. “They’re collectively playing a waiting game with one another here, given that the first player to sign might set the market for the others to top.”
Barnwell went on to identify Porter as one of four defensive backs capable of commanding a market-setting contract.
“Between Porter, Christian Gonzalez of the Patriots, DJ Turner II of the Bengals and Devon Witherspoon of the Seahawks, there are four corners who could credibly command market-setting deals from the 2023 class alone,” Barnwell added.
As a second-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, Porter’s situation carries additional urgency. Unlike first-round picks, second-rounders do not have a fifth-year option, meaning Porter is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
“As second-round picks, Porter and Turner are in the final years of their respective deals, which might make their situations more pressing,” Barnwell noted.
Many around the league expected Porter to be among the first Steelers from the 2023 class to secure a long-term extension. While a deal has yet to be finalized, discussions between the organization and Porter’s representatives have reportedly continued throughout the offseason.
Porter has steadily developed into one of the NFL’s top young cornerbacks since arriving in Pittsburgh. During the 2025 season, he started all 17 games, recording 62 total tackles, 14 passes defended, two interceptions, and a forced fumble while regularly matching up against opponents’ top receivers. His physical style of play and ability to hold up in man coverage have made him a cornerstone of the Steelers’ defense.
With the cornerback market continuing to climb and several talented members of the 2023 draft class awaiting new contracts, the race to become the next highly paid defensive back may soon be underway. If Porter continues his upward trajectory, the Steelers could find themselves negotiating one of the most significant contracts in franchise history for a defensive back.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
