The Steelers have a decision to make on Joey Porter Jr., and it might cost them around $25 million per year. That is the number Pittsburgh Post-Gazette insider Ray Fittipaldo floated on 93.7 The Fan this week when asked about the cornerback’s contract situation.
Porter became eligible for an extension this summer and has not signed one yet. The team has not confirmed any active negotiations, but Fittipaldo made it sound like a done deal in waiting. “I do think it’s gonna happen,” he said. “I don’t think they’re gonna have to go $30 million. I think the number is somewhere around $25 million or so. I just think it’s a matter of when, not if.”
That would put Porter among the highest-paid corners in the league. Right now the top of that list includes Trent McDuffie, Sauce Gardner and Derek Stingley Jr. A $25 million annual figure would slot Porter just behind that group, which feels about right for where his career stands.
Where Porter fits in the AFC cornerback hierarchy
Porter does not get the same spotlight as some of his draft classmates. Devon Witherspoon and Christian Gonzalez have the bigger highlight reels and the louder hype. Both are also up for extensions this offseason. But Porter has quietly built a reputation as one of the most physical corners in football. In 47 games over three seasons he has 31 pass breakups and three interceptions. That is not elite ball production, but his style of play fits what Pittsburgh wants on defense.
The interesting part here is timing. Witherspoon and Gonzalez are both candidates for new deals too. Whoever signs first among the three could set the market for the others. If Porter gets $25 million, and then Gonzalez or Witherspoon signs for more, that changes the conversation for the next guy up.
Pittsburgh has a mix of old veterans and young talent right now. The team is trying to climb back into serious AFC contention. Locking up a homegrown corner who already plays like a Steeler makes a lot of sense. Porter got drafted in the second round out of Penn State. He has that local connection too. Fans love him for it.
The Steelers have until September before the 2026 season kicks off. They could get this done in the next few months or let it drag into camp. Either way, the estimate from Fittipaldo suggests the team is comfortable with the number. The question now is whether Porter’s camp wants to bet on himself for another year or take the guaranteed money now.
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