Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers got two members of their 2023 draft class signed to long-term deals last week in outside linebacker Nick Herbig and tight end Darnell Washington. Now, defensive lineman Keeanu Benton and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. are next up.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell thinks Porter could command a market-setting contract extension.
“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. 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 wrote.
“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. Gonzalez and Witherspoon are represented by the same agency, which complicates their negotiations and makes it easier to play the waiting game. They’re also first-round picks, leaving them with fifth-year options in 2028
“As second-round picks, Porter and Turner are in the final years of their respective deals, which might make their situations more pressing. The Bengals aren’t exactly known for being prompt with negotiations, and after Pittsburgh signed linebacker Nick Herbig and tight end Darnell Washington to extensions in recent weeks, Porter and defensive tackle Keeanu Benton should be next up for the Steelers.
“Laying in wait are Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean of the Eagles, who could be looking at something in the ballpark of $35 million per season when they become eligible for new deals next offseason.”
Porter could be due for a massive payday, even more than Herbig’s four-year, $100 million deal.
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, 25, has quickly become one of the best cornerbacks in the league during his three seasons with the Steelers, recording 165 tackles, one sack, 31 passes defensed and three interceptions.
He has also allowed just one touchdown pass in his NFL career,...
