The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a very busy offseason in 2026 as the organization has focused on upgrading the roster through several different avenues. Executives have also had to worry about making sure its own players are taken care of and paid, and that has been seen as several players from the 2023 draft class have already received extensions. Next on that list is star cornerback Joey Porter Jr., and negotiations continue on as the team prepares to head to Latrobe for training camp. The defender is going to hold-in until the deal is done, but there has not been too much drama surrounding the situation.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, OH.
There have been a few debates on how much Porter should earn on his extension as it became clear during the 2025 season that he was one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He does not have any of the individual accolades quite yet, but it is obvious he is on track to becoming a Pro Bowl-caliber player. He should earn something near the top of the cornerback market, but that market can shift as Christian Gonzalez and Devon Witherspoon are also awaiting extensions and either one of those players could reset the market.
Former NFL cornerback Darius Slay was on NFL On ESPN where he was discussing the top 10 cornerbacks in the NFL. Porter was not on the list, but he did not talk about his former teammate.
"He’s very good in press, gets his hands on the ball, very disruptive at the line of scrimmage," Slay said. "The only thing I think he has wrong with him is ball production. He just don’t have a lot of picks right now, but they’re coming. I’ve been there with him in Pittsburgh. His hands are very [suspect]. He’s gonna get them right, though. Hope my boy Jalen Ramsey is working with him over there because he’s a guy that can get to the rock. Other than that, Joey is for sure going to be a guy that’s going to sneak into this top 10 easily. He’s got a big payday coming up, too. Pittsburgh, make sure you do my boy right."
Slay spent part of the 2025 season in Pittsburgh, but it became clear his health was a big concern, as he exited many games due to injury throughout the year. He announced his retirement after the season ended. He spent time with Porter throughout the start of the year and training camp, and he believes he needs to work on his ball production.
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.
Ball production has been the main knock against Porter throughout this negotiation process. He only has three interceptions throughout his NFL career, but it is hard to take the ball away when it is not being thrown in your direction. He is a lockdown cornerback that forces opposing quarterbacks to look in a different direction. That brings a ton of value in its own way.
Steelers Players Won't Be Happy With Darius Slay's Comments
Slay didn't spend much time in Pittsburgh, but he should still know not to talk down on any part of a former teammate's game. He had a legendary career prior to Pittsburgh, but he was an absolute liability on the field for the Steelers in 2025.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Former Steelers CB Darius Slay celebrates on the sideline after a big play against the New England Patriots in Week 3 of the 2025 season.
Talking down on Porter on live television is extremely controversial when Slay took the field with him less than a year ago. It is one thing to mentor or tutor Porter on the side in private, but airing things out on ESPN is quite the choice.
What do you think of Slay's comments? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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