Former Buffalo Bills general manager and Pittsburgh Steelers executive Doug Whaley has one big concern with Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. 's contract situation. And that's Porter's lack of interceptions. He only has three career interceptions, one in each season since he's entered the league. Whaley thinks this factor could be a big talking point in negotiations with the Steelers.
"The biggest issue I would have, and I'm sure the Steelers would have, is the lack of interceptions. To me, to be considered in the top five, you have to get your hands on the ball. And he's got a history from, since he was in Penn State, of not creating turnovers," Whaley said on 93.7 The Fan . "And that's probably where the big difference is where he wants to be. 'Hey, if you look at my [Pro Football Focus] stats, I haven't allowed a touchdown. I haven't done this and this,' and he's got great stats. But to me, to elevate yourself to be someone where you're gonna be on the cover of Madden, you have to get at least five-plus interceptions. And he doesn't do it and hasn't done it and I don't think he's the type of player to do it.
"Is he a shutdown corner? Yes. But is he a take the ball away corner that gets you paid in that top 30-plus range? That's where I think is gonna be the battling point. And it's gonna be interesting to see who wins that conversation."
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. against the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 12, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Porter revealed at minicamp that he expects to be paid as one of the NFL's top cornerbacks.
"Definitely, I feel like I was an elite guy since I've been in this League, and I'm happy that I'm getting the respect that I feel like I'm owed," Porter said .
So, how much is Porter seeking? $24-25 million per year could be the floor.
"I think he wants top-five [cornerback money]. Like, he talked about respect, and that's what he's owed, and what he's earned," Jeff Hathhorn of 93.7 The Fan said last month. "I think the total amount is gonna depend on the number of years, and what the guarantee is … I'm sure the Steelers want control, and want many years. Joey may have a different thought process.
$24, 25 [million] might be the basement floor for him. Porter's 25. The guys on the list, look at the top-20 salaries, there are two guys that are 30. And one of those guys plays on the same defense as him, Jalen Ramsey ."
Porter has already established himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the league during his three seasons in Pittsburgh, recording 165 tackles, one sack, 31 passes defended and three interceptions.
He has also allowed just one touchdown pass in his NFL career, and that was in 2023 as a rookie.
In addition to lack of INTs, the biggest knock against Porter throughout the start of his NFL career has been his penalties. But he even cut those nearly in half in 2025, going from 17 in 2024 to just nine a season ago.
Los Angeles Rams cornerback Trent McDuffie currently leads all cornerbacks, earning $31 million per year on his four-year, $124 million contract.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Former NFL GM Reveals Big Concern with Joey Porter Jr.'s Contract Situation
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