Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. Declares Himself Top-Five NFL Corner

The second-year player believes his production and coverage ability warrant elite status.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:53pm

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Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is making a bold declaration, stating that he is already one of the top five cornerbacks in the NFL. Despite criticism over penalties, Porter believes his elite-level coverage and lack of touchdowns allowed over the past three seasons prove he deserves to be considered among the league's best defensive backs.

Why it matters

Porter's self-assessment comes as he enters contract extension negotiations with the Steelers, and how the team views his standing could impact those talks. The young cornerback's confidence in his abilities could also shape the narrative around him as he continues to develop into one of the league's top cover corners.

The details

In a recent podcast appearance, Porter pushed back on the criticism of his game, particularly around penalties. He pointed out that he hasn't allowed a touchdown in three years and has consistently shut down top receivers, holding none to over 50-60 yards in a game. According to Next Gen Stats, Porter allowed just 32 receptions on 64 targets in 2025, with a passer rating against of only 61.5.

  • Porter was a second-round pick by the Steelers in 2023.
  • He has been a fixture in Pittsburgh's secondary since early in his rookie season.
  • Porter is eligible for a contract extension with the Steelers this offseason.

The players

Joey Porter Jr.

A second-year cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers who believes he is already one of the top five players at his position in the NFL.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The NFL team that drafted Joey Porter Jr. in the second round in 2023 and will need to decide on a potential contract extension for the young cornerback this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“That's what people really harp on my game about, is the PI's and penalties. But it's like, y'all hold no other DB under that microscope.”

— Joey Porter Jr., Steelers Cornerback

“I haven't gave up a touchdown in three years. Not one. No wide receiver put over 50, 60 yards on my head alone. And I travel with the best of them.”

— Joey Porter Jr., Steelers Cornerback

“Even to bring up penalties this year, I had five, which equaled out to 50-something yards. You're saying I'm not top five because I had 50 yards in penalties? Like that's crazy.”

— Joey Porter Jr., Steelers Cornerback

What’s next

The Steelers will need to decide whether to offer Porter a contract extension this offseason, which could hinge on how the team views his standing among the NFL's top cornerbacks.

The takeaway

Porter's bold self-assessment and confidence in his abilities could shape the narrative around him as he continues to develop into one of the league's elite defensive backs. However, the Steelers will have to weigh that confidence against his penalty issues when determining his long-term future with the team.