ESPN just predicted Joey Porter Jr. to do something that the Pittsburgh Steelers probably don’t want any part of
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Joey Porter Jr. are on the same page when it comes to a long-term contract. The question is, how much will it cost the Steelers to sign Porter to a new deal? ESPN has an idea, and it’s quite a lot.
Most of the Pittsburgh Steelers team is off enjoying summer vacation, soaking in the rays and getting some rest before returning to Pittsburgh, or Latrobe to be specific, for the start of training camp in late July.
While some rookies will remain through next week, the only work left to be done this summer is what happens in the front office. After inking three long-term extensions for kicker Chris Boswell, pass rusher Nick Herbig, and tight end Darnell Washington, the question is what happens with Keeanu Benton and Joey Porter Jr.? Well, ESPN has floated an idea for the latter, and it’s one that the Steelers may have a tough time coming to grips with.
Joey Porter Jr. 2025 stats
- 52 tackles.
- 0 TDs allowed.
- 14 pass breakups, 1 interception.
ESPN wonders if Joey Porter Jr. will be the next player to reset the CB market?
“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.” – Bill Barnwell, ESPN
Would the Steelers actually make Joey Porter Jr. the highest-paid corner in the league?
When anyone says, “reset the market,” that immediately means that they think said player will be the newest, highest-paid player at the position. At the cornerback position, that title belongs to Los Angeles Rams CB Trent McDuffie, who makes $31 million.
Porter has said that he wants to be paid among the elite of the group. The 5th highest player in the league at that spot is Jalen Ramsey, who makes a little over $24 million. I figure that Porter will look to slot in between that $24 and $31 million range. He’s been a very good player, if not a borderline All-Pro caliber defender, but the highest-paid corner in the league may be a little rich for the Steelers’ blood.