Steelers Now
There’s been speculation that the Pittsburgh Steelers could sign cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to a deal worth $25 million per year. If Steelers legend James Harrison was Porter’s agent, he would advise to not sign that deal. He believes Porter is worth more.
“That’s not gonna happen,” Harrison said Friday on his Deebo & Joe podcast. “The way I’m looking at it, and the way he’s looking at it is, ‘My best years are ahead of me. They’re coming. The only reason y’all balking right now at it being around $30 [million] is because I don’t have those accolades.’ So, this year comes, and he gets that first All-Pro or he gets that Pro Bowl.
“Now he’s locked in at $25 [million], he’s pissed because it easily could’ve been $30 [million], or $32, $33 [million]. He could’ve reset the market after the year … It would be him not betting on himself. If I’m him, I’m betting on myself … The smart thing is to just pay the man. For the Steelers, pay him.”
Porter recently revealed that he expects to be paid as one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks.
“Definitely, I feel like I was an elite guy since I’ve been in this League, and I’m happy that I’m getting the respect that I feel like I’m owed,” Porter said.
So, how much is Porter seeking? $24-25 million per year could be the floor.
“I think he wants top-five [cornerback money]. Like, he talked about respect, and that’s what he’s owed, and what he’s earned,” Jeff Hathhorn of 93.7 The Fan said last Thursday. “I think the total amount is gonna depend on the number of years, and what the guarantee is … I’m sure the Steelers want control, and want many years. Joey may have a different thought process.
$24, 25 [million] might be the basement floor for him. Porter’s 25. The guys on the list, look at the top-20 salaries, there are two guys that are 30. And one of those guys plays on the same defense as him, Jalen Ramsey.”
Porter has already established himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the league during his three seasons in Pittsburgh, recording 165 tackles, one sack, 31 passes defended and three interceptions.
He has also allowed just one touchdown pass in his NFL career, and that was in 2023 as a rookie.
The biggest knock against Porter throughout the start of his NFL career has been his penalties. But he even cut those nearly in half in 2025, going from 17 in 2024 to just nine a season ago.
Los Angeles Rams cornerback Trent McDuffie currently leads all cornerbacks, earning $31 million per year on his four-year, $124 million contract.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Legend James Harrison Weighs in on Joey Porter Jr.’s Contract Situation
