Steelers Ready To Open Up Checkbook As Rising Defender Is Set To Receive Large Extension In 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had quite the up-and-down 2025 season. There have been plenty of bright spots, along with frustrating lows along the way. Through it all, Pittsburgh sits at 7-6 and currently holds first place in the AFC North with four games remaining. Injuries and inconsistencies have tested the roster, but the team has found ways to stay competitive. While the defense is filled with established stars, one young defender has quietly put together a very impressive 2025 campaign, and has not received nearly enough recognition for his impact.

The Steelers selected Joey Porter Jr. with the 32nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Penn State. His length and physical build quickly set him apart as one of the top defensive back prospects in his class. Combined with his aggressive play style, Porter was an ideal fit for Pittsburgh. With his father, having left such a lasting legacy in the organization, Porter naturally felt comfortable and at home wearing the black and gold.

While Porter showed tons of promise in his first two seasons in the league, he has quietly made a name for himself in 2025. The biggest flaw in Porter's game throughout his career has been penalties. 

With the aforementioned frame and play style that Porter possesses, it has been a natural habit of his to be a tad bit handsy. However, in 2025 Porter has not only be great in coverage, but his penalties have been less existent compared to his early years. That growth has been obvious on film. He’s trusting his technique more, keeping his hands lower, and relying on positioning instead of grabbing when receivers try to separate.

Over his last five games, Porter has been targeted just 13 times and has surrendered only three catches for 31 yards. During that span, he has broken up three passes and held opposing quarterbacks to an impressive 39.6 passer rating when throwing in his direction. Those numbers are especially impressive considering the level of competition he’s faced, often lining up against the opposing team’s top wideout.

In the penalties department, Porter has only committed six accepted penalties through the first 13 games of the season. That is less than Keisean Nixon from the Green Bay Packers (10), Brian Branch from the Detroit Lions (seven), Carlton Davis from the New England Patriots (seven), and the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year from the Denver Broncos, Patrick Surtain (eight). 

For a corner who plays as physically as Porter does, that is a huge step forward and speaks volumes about his development. In comparison to last year, Porter committed 12 penalties through 14 weeks in 2024. That cut in half isn’t a coincidence. It’s the result of experience, coaching, and confidence. Porter no longer looks like a young player trying to prove himself on every snap. 

Instead, he looks comfortable, patient, and in control, which is exactly what the Steelers need from a cornerback in their system. The numbers speak for themselves, Porter is improving year-by-year and week-by-week, and the Steelers needed that improvement desperately.

Porter very well has played his way into a big contract extension. His rookie deal will expire at the end of the 2026 season, but the Steelers could potentially lock him up to an extension well before that. 

Given how he’s developed into one of the team’s most reliable defensive players, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Pittsburgh prioritize keeping him long-term. Porter has certainly earned his way to a big payday, and his excellent play in 2025 has only strengthened his case. 

If he continues on this trajectory, not only will he command top dollar amongst NFL cornerbacks, but he could also become a cornerstone of the Steelers’ defense for years to come, providing leadership, stability, and playmaking ability that the team can build around.

Steelers' Porter Jr. Is Now The Team's Top Cornerback

Porter began the 2025 season as the Steelers’ third cornerback, behind offseason additions Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay. With Slay eventually being benched and released, and Ramsey shifting from cornerback to safety, Porter has stepped up to become the team’s top corner on the defense.

Porter has embraced the role impressively. While the Steelers still rank near the bottom of the league in pass defense overall, Porter’s emergence has been a bright spot, giving the unit more stability and confidence. His ability to handle top receivers, minimize penalties, and make key plays has allowed the defense to take meaningful steps in the right direction.

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