Mark Madden: Porter Jr.’s Price Skyrockets — Why Are Steelers Stalling?
The Curious Case of Joey Porter Jr.: Why the Steelers’ Best Defender Is Still Waiting for His Payday
What’s Going On in Pittsburgh?
Imagine you’re the best player on your team’s defense. You shut down the other team’s top receiver week after week. You’ve only given up one touchdown in three years. But while your backup teammates are signing massive contracts, you’re still waiting for yours.
That’s exactly what’s happening with Joey Porter Jr., the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting cornerback.
Important Point: A cornerback’s job is to cover wide receivers and stop them from catching passes. It’s one of the hardest and most important jobs on defense.
The Backup Bonanza: Who Got Paid First?
Before we talk about Porter, look at what the Steelers did for their backup players this offseason:
| Player | Position | Role | New Contract (Per Year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keeanu Benton | Defensive Lineman | Backup | $18 million (highest-paid DL in team history!) |
| Nick Herbig | Edge Rusher | Backup | $25 million (more than the starter, Alex Highsmith) |
| Darnell Washington | Tight End | Backup | $10.5 million |
Wait, what? Backups are making more than some starters? That’s unusual, but it happened.
Joey Porter Jr.: The Forgotten Star
While those deals got done, Joey Porter Jr.—the team’s #1 cornerback and "linchpin of the secondary"—got… nothing (yet).
His Situation in Simple Terms:
- He’s on the PUP list (Physically Unable to Perform) — but many think this is a quiet "hold in" (showing up but not practicing to protest)
- He’s in the final year of his rookie contract
- His 2026 salary cap hit: $4.9 million (a bargain for a top player)
- No extension announced — and training camp is underway
Why Haven’t the Steelers Paid Him?
There are a few theories floating around:
1. The "Market Timing" Theory (Porter’s Side)
Other top cornerbacks just signed huge deals:
- Devon Witherspoon (Seahawks): $33 million/year
- Denzel Ward (Browns): $31.1 million/year
- Trent McDuffie (Rams): $31 million/year
ELI5: In the NFL, the last guy to sign often sets the new "going rate." Porter might be waiting for the next big deal (like Christian Gonzalez in New England) to push his price even higher.
2. The "Steelers Don’t Value Cornerbacks" Theory
Some think Pittsburgh simply doesn’t prioritize the position as much as edge rushers or defensive linemen. They might prefer to:
- Let him play out 2025 on his cheap rookie deal
- Use the franchise tag next year (~$21.6 million now, likely higher then)
3. The "Art Rooney II Style" Theory
Since Art Rooney II took over, the Steelers usually cave and pay their stars eventually. "Capitulation is his calling card," as the article says. History suggests a deal gets done — just at the last minute.
Is Porter Actually Worth $30 Million a Year?
The numbers say YES.
| Stat | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 1 TD allowed in 3 years | Elite coverage — receivers basically disappear when he covers them |
| 56.3 passer rating against (2024) | 3rd lowest in the NFL — QBs struggle badly throwing his way |
| Follows opponent’s #1 WR | He takes the toughest assignment every game |
| Penalties improved | 17 penalties (137 yds) in 2023 → 9 penalties (56 yds) in 2024 — big maturity jump |
One Concern: He was the most-penalized cornerback in 2023 ("handsy" = too much contact). But he cut penalties nearly in half last year — a great sign.
Why This Matters Right Now
- New Defensive Coordinator — Patrick Graham is installing a new system. Porter missing practice hurts the whole defense’s preparation.
- Team Leadership — Former coach Mike Tomlin (who’s close with Porter’s dad, ex-NFL star Joey Porter Sr.) would’ve likely forced a deal earlier.
- Leverage Game — Every day without a deal, Porter’s value goes up… but so does team frustration.
Step-by-Step: What Happens Next?
- Standoff continues — Porter stays on PUP, doesn’t practice
- Preseason games start — Pressure builds on both sides
- One of two things happens:
- Deal gets done (likely ~$30M/year) just before Week 1
- No deal → Porter plays 2025 on rookie deal → Steelers franchise tag him in 2026
- If tagged — One-year deal ~$23-25M, then back to negotiating table
Most Likely Outcome: A contract extension right before the regular season starts. The Steelers hate distractions; Porter wants security.
Summary
- Backups got paid first (Benton, Herbig, Washington) — unusual but true
- Joey Porter Jr. is the defense’s best player but has no new contract
- He’s likely "holding in" via the PUP list to gain leverage
- Market exploded for cornerbacks recently ($31-33M/year) — boosting his asking price
- His stats are elite: 1 TD in 3 years, 3rd-best QB rating against
- Penalties dropped sharply in 2024 — showing growth
- Steelers usually pay their stars late (Rooney family pattern)
- Expect a ~$30M/year deal just before the season — but it’s not guaranteed
FAQ
Why would the Steelers pay backups more than a star starter?
It looks weird, but NFL contracts are about timing and leverage. Those backups’ agents negotiated when the market was hot. Porter’s deal is next — and the market has only gone up since.
What is the "franchise tag" and why does it matter?
It’s a one-year contract offer teams can use to keep a player from hitting free agency. For cornerbacks in 2025, it’s ~$21.6 million. It’s a backup plan if no long-term deal happens — but players hate it (no security, risk of injury).
Is Porter being selfish by not practicing?
Not necessarily. NFL careers are short, and one bad injury on a cheap contract can cost a player generational wealth. "Holding in" is a recognized (if unpopular) negotiating tactic.
Could the Steelers trade him instead?
Extremely unlikely. You don’t trade a 24-year-old shutdown corner entering his prime. The only scenario: if they refuse to pay market value and he demands out — but Pittsburgh rarely operates that way.
How does this affect the 2025 season?
If Porter misses too much camp, communication in the new defense suffers. But if he signs and plays Week 1? Minimal impact. The real risk is if this drags into the regular season.
Bottom line: Joey Porter Jr. has earned his payday. The Steelers know it. The only question is when — not if — the Brinks truck arrives.