The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense has been known as one of the stoutest defenses over the past few years. In 2025, the team struggled mightily however, relying on turnovers to keep them in games. One of the bright spots of the defense, though, is budding star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. The Penn State University product took things to the next level, as he shut down the opposing offense's best receiver game-in and game-out. He limited his penalties, something he struggled with early on, and had become one of the league's best at his position.
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Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. picks off Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in the end zone during the 2023 season.
Porter allowed a 48.5% completion percentage and a 57.2 quarterback rating when targeted in 2025. Both of those stats were among the top of the NFL. He hasn't allowed a touchdown in coverage since his rookie year and has cemented himself as Pittsburgh's number-one corner. Porter is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is seeking a lucrative contract extension. While the Black and Gold haven't been shy about handing extensions to their 2023 draft class, Porter's will more than likely be the most expensive.
Besides his contract, Porter has shown up on the field every week. While he hasn't recorded more than one interception in a season, his coverage skills suggest that teams would want to stay away from throwing at him. Former Steelers cornerback Joe Haden spoke about what Porter could do to earn his stripes as a top corner in the league, and the two have spoken about what it will take for him to reach that level. Haden shared this on his podcast, Deebo & Joe, which he hosts with another former Steeler, James Harrison.
"He's consistent. Your job at corner is to not let anybody score touchdowns. He's been doing that at a very high clip. They're not throwing the ball over there. The passer rating is good. He's been keeping his hands to himself. Now, all I need him to start doing is when that ball comes over there, we're going to start turning some of those pass breakups into interceptions, and then we're going to be right where we need to be. And that's just coming with film study, getting a little bit more comfortable," Haden said.
Haden continued and clued in on what exactly the two have been talking about with one another. The pair talked at a recent golf outing that they were a part of.
"Like I've been talking to him 'cause he's been going off natural ability. I'm talking to him about how comfort level just being able to look at their splits, going out there playing one-on-ones with the dude. It doesn't matter what he's running 'cause you could strap him," Haden added.
Haden knows that Porter can run with the best of them. But now being able to create turnovers and add the interceptions to his stat sheet will help him gain more attention across the league. Porter is quick, has great length, and can anticipate the quarterback. Now, being able to bait receivers and quarterbacks into tough throws can allow him to get those interceptions.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. tries to tackle Bills RB James Cook during a home game in the Steel City of Pittsburgh in the 2025 NFL season.
Porter has improved every year, and getting some advice from another one of Pittsburgh's former lockdown corners will only help him progress. With the penalties no longer a factor and shoring up his tackling, Porter has the chance to draw more attention on him if he can get a couple more interceptions.
Steelers Need To Lock Porter Into A Long-Term Deal
Pittsburgh has been looking for a shutdown corner for a while. Porter has grown into that role. He was drafted and developed by the Steelers' staff, not to mention that his father was a Steeler great. If the defense wants to be a top unit, they'll need his services to get there. Porter has proven that he is coachable, and with his contract looming over the heads of the Steelers brass, it's time to get a deal done.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. and James Pierre celebrate after a big-time turnover during the 2025 NFL season.
With the cornerback market increasingly getting more expensive, keeping the young star in the Black and Gold is a priority. With how competitive the Steelers want to be every season, Porter needs to be a part of that plan. He'll command a big investment, but it will be worth it as he continues to grow as a player.
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