NFL analyst Steve Palazzolo has questioned whether Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. deserves a top-of-the-market contract. He cited Porter's inconsistent play and penalty issues as reasons for caution in negotiations.
After recent extensions for Nick Herbig and Darnell Washington, attention has turned to extending Porter, the Steelers' top cornerback. Palazzolo noted on 93.7 The Fan’s PM Team that the cornerback market has risen mainly for elite players, not those with ups and downs like Porter. Porter recorded 137 penalty yards in 2024, including six flags in one game against the Cincinnati Bengals. His 56 penalty yards last season marked a career low, and he excelled in coverage while recording one interception each of his three NFL seasons. Mark Kaboly reported that Porter and the Steelers are expected to reach a deal soon, with an annual value between $25 million and $30 million. Such a contract would align with recent deals for Trent McDuffie and Sauce Gardner. A blockbuster trade last offseason brought Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh, yet Porter remained the team's primary cornerback option despite early career growing pains.
