In a recent article published by Pro Football Focus, Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was named one of 10 players projected to earn their first All-Pro selection in 2026.
PFF backed up its projection with some eye-opening metrics. Porter finished with the 10th-highest qualifying coverage grade among NFL cornerbacks in 2025 while also ranking third in forced incompletion rate at 24 percent. He also ranked fourth in snaps allowed per reception, further highlighting just how difficult he was to throw against.
As of late, Porter has finally started getting the respect he deserves. While he may not be a household name among casual NFL fans just yet, his 2025 performance was among the best at the position and proved he has developed into one of the league's premier young cornerbacks.
The only issue is that his future in Pittsburgh isn't nearly as certain as his play on the field. Porter is currently holding out in hopes of landing a long-term contract extension, but as things stand, Omar Khan and the Steelers simply aren't in a great financial position to get a deal done.
Prior to last season, there were still plenty of questions surrounding Porter. While he flashed elite potential throughout his first two years, his consistency, technique, and tendency to draw penalties left many wondering if he would ever fully live up to the expectations that came with being the Steelers' second-round pick out of Penn State.
Year three changed that narrative. Porter took a major leap in nearly every aspect of his game, developing into a true lockdown corner capable of matching up with the NFL's best receivers every week. If PFF's projection proves to be accurate, a first-team All-Pro selection may be the next accomplishment on his résumé.
The bigger question, however, isn't whether Joey Porter Jr. is capable of becoming an All-Pro. It's whether he'll accomplish it wearing a Steelers uniform.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Joey Porter Jr. Projected to Make All-Pro Leap in 2026
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