The Pittsburgh Steelers are in full-on desperation mode as they chase one last run with aging quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2026. But behind the scenes, sources close to the organization claim the front office is quietly bracing for a massive financial decision that could reshape their defense for years to come.
According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell — and insiders we’ve spoken with who track contract negotiations closely — cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is reportedly on the verge of landing a deal that could make him the highest-paid player from the 2023 NFL Draft class at his position. And here’s the bombshell: He may leapfrog New England Patriots star Christian Gonzalez, a top-20 pick who many assumed would reset the cornerback market.
Why Porter Gets the Edge Over Gonzalez and Witherspoon
Barnwell laid out the chess match in his latest analysis. Four corners from the 2023 class — Porter, Gonzalez, Seattle’s Devon Witherspoon, and Cincinnati’s DJ Turner II — are all in line for massive paydays. But the smart money, according to league insiders, is now on Porter.
“Gonzalez and Witherspoon share the same agency, which complicates things and allows both sides to play the waiting game,” Barnwell wrote. “Plus, as first-rounders, they have fifth-year options in 2028, giving them leverage to hold out for top dollar.”
Porter and Turner, however, were second-round picks. That means their rookie deals expire after this season — no fifth-year option, no safety net. One agent who requested anonymity told us, “When you’re a second-rounder entering a contract year, the urgency is real. Teams either lock you up now or risk losing you in free agency. That’s where the pressure turns into cash.”
Steelers Already Clearing the Deck
Pittsburgh has reportedly been on a quiet signing spree, inking linebacker Nick Herbig and tight end Darnell Washington to extensions in recent weeks. According to team insiders, that’s a clear signal: the front office is prioritizing homegrown talent before the market explodes.
“Porter and defensive tackle Keeanu Benton are next up,” one source within the organization allegedly said. “The front office knows they can’t afford to let a player of Porter’s caliber hit the open market.”
Porter backed up the hype last season, posting 52 tackles, 14 passes defensed, and one interception in just 14 games. His physical, press-man style has drawn comparisons to his Hall of Fame father, and the Steelers reportedly view him as a cornerstone piece for their secondary.
The Cap Crunch That Could Complicate Everything
But here’s where the drama kicks in. The Steelers are currently projected to have just $3.19 million in cap space for 2026 — and that number only climbs to $4.50 million in 2027. According to cap analysts, that means general manager Omar Khan will need to get creative — restructures, cuts, or even a trade — to make a Porter extension work.
One league executive we spoke with speculated, “If Pittsburgh really wants to keep Porter, they’re going to have to make some tough decisions elsewhere. It could mean moving on from a veteran or backloading the deal. Either way, it’s a gamble.”
Fans are already buzzing on social media, with many wondering whether the Steelers’ window with Rodgers is worth mortgaging the future. Others point out that locking up a shutdown corner at 24 years old is exactly the kind of move that keeps a defense elite for a decade.
Whether Barnwell’s prediction holds up remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the NFL cornerback market is about to get a whole lot pricier — and Joey Porter Jr. may be the one holding the pen.
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