Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch has called on the team to quickly secure a contract extension for cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who enters the final year of his rookie deal. Batch emphasized the importance of timing amid a rising cornerback market. He made the comments on the Snap Count podcast.
Joey Porter Jr., the Pittsburgh Steelers' fourth-year cornerback, is heading into the last season of his rookie contract, making his extension a key offseason storyline. Former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch, speaking on the Snap Count podcast with ex-offensive lineman Trai Essex, stressed the need for swift action by general manager Omar Khan. Batch said, “Ultimately, you’re hoping that JPJ, when those contract talks are happening behind the scenes, that hopefully the contract is done sooner rather than later because this guy has earned every penny that is coming his direction.” He added, “If this is your guy, lock him up. Omar Khan, lock JPJ up and do it soon.” Batch warned that prolonged talks could distract Porter through training camp in Latrobe and into free agency discussions with the media. The Steelers have bolstered their cornerback room by re-signing Asante Samuel Jr. and signing Jamel Dean to a three-year deal, but Porter remains their top option at the position. The cornerback market has heated up, with the Los Angeles Rams trading for Kansas City Chiefs' Trent McDuffie and awarding him a four-year, $124 million extension averaging $31 million per season—a record high. While Porter's deal is not expected to reach that level, sources anticipate it will place him among the top 10 to 12 highest-paid corners in the NFL. Securing the extension early would benefit the Steelers by avoiding distractions for their budding star.
