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Steelers Critics Keep Missing Why Joey Porter Jr. Is Worth the Money
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- Steelers Critics Keep Missing Why Joey Porter Jr. Is Worth the Money
When the Pittsburgh Steelers traded wide receiver Chase Claypool , they unknowingly set the stage for the future. The Chicago Bears dealt away their original second-round pick before their season unraveled, allowing Pittsburgh to acquire the No. 32 overall selection after the Miami Dolphins forfeited their first-round pick for tampering violations. General manager Omar Khan later revealed that the Steelers received plenty of calls from teams looking to trade up at the top of the second round. One prospect, however, they weren't willing to move away from: Joey Porter Jr.
That decision to not trade back may have frustrated some draft analysts, but it proved to be one of Khan's best moves. Not only did he select a hometown talent and the son of Super Bowl champion Joey Porter Sr. , he landed the best cornerback the Steelers have drafted in years. Now, Porter is in line for a contract extension, and Khan will likely get a deal done. Despite the criticism and lazy narratives that continue to circulate, Porter will be worth every penny.
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Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) reacts after a play during the second half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Imagesreuters.com,2026:newsml_MT1USATODAY27993324:1308791640
Stability at Cornerback Through the Steelers Draft
Since entering the league, Porter has allowed just one touchdown. Even that score remains debatable, as he was playing Cover 2 while safety Damontae Kazee misjudged a pass he appeared poised to intercept . If that mistake belongs to Kazee, Porter's total drops to zero.
Critics often point to Porter's penalties as a weakness. In 2024, he committed a career-high 12 accepted penalties . However, he responded with a career-low six accepted penalties in 2025, demonstrating clear growth and discipline.
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Porter improved in more than just penalty reduction. He recorded a career-high 14 pass breakups in 2025 and developed into a more reliable tackler. Combined with his lockdown coverage ability and continued progression, those improvements make it obvious that a significant pay raise is coming. They also position him to become one of the Steelers' next locker-room leaders.
Nov 2, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Joey Porter Sr. watches warm ups against Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Imagesreuters.com,2025:newsml_MT1USATODAY27505640:226078761
Steelers, Porter Leadership Legacy
Porter Jr. may never master trash talk the way his father did , but he has already begun to display many of the leadership qualities that made Porter Sr. such an influential figure . His approach during OTAs and mandatory minicamp offers a perfect example. Porter could have held out in an effort to speed up contract negotiations. Instead, he remained present and focused on the team.
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"I want to be out there. Everybody knows I want to be out there," Porter said . "I'm just gonna do everything I can and take it day by day."
The quote may be brief, but it speaks volumes. Porter has shown patience while watching several teammates receive well-deserved extensions this offseason. He has also emphasized the importance of daily improvement dating back to a 2025 interview. Porter understands the game at a high level and has taken younger cornerbacks under his wing while pushing his teammates toward a single objective: winning.
Regardless of the criticism surrounding him, Porter's performance continues to validate the Steelers' faith in him. Khan made the right decision when he turned down trade offers and selected Porter. The pick has already paid dividends, and Porter appears poised to justify every dollar of the contract extension that awaits him.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jun 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
