Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. Targets Turnovers as 'Next Step' in 2026

The young cornerback wants to generate more game-changing plays in the air.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:20am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a football player in motion, with the shapes and planes of the image breaking down the action into an abstract, geometric composition.A Steelers cornerback's relentless pursuit of more interceptions and takeaways is captured in a cubist-inspired painting.Today in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has made significant improvements in his first three NFL seasons, including reducing his penalty issues. However, one area he still wants to improve is generating more turnovers and interceptions. In a recent interview, Porter outlined his goal of increasing his takeaways in 2026 as the 'next step' in elevating his game to elite status.

Why it matters

Interceptions and takeaways are highly valued skills for NFL cornerbacks, as they can swing the momentum of games and provide a major boost to a defense. While Porter has been a solid cover corner, his lack of splash plays in the form of picks has limited his recognition as one of the league's top defensive backs. Improving this area could help him earn Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.

The details

Through his first three NFL seasons, Porter has recorded just three interceptions, with his first career pick coming against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. His lack of turnovers dates back to his college days at Penn State, where he had only one interception. Despite playing nearly 2,700 defensive snaps, which is the fourth-most among cornerbacks with three or fewer picks, Porter has struggled to make game-changing plays in the air. He believes increased work on technique and spending more time on the JUGS machine can help him improve his ball skills and turn more passes into interceptions.

  • In 2023, Porter recorded his first career interception against the Ravens.
  • In 2025, Porter recorded his second career interception to seal a win over the Colts.

The players

Joey Porter Jr.

A fourth-year cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers who has made significant strides in his first three NFL seasons, but is still looking to increase his interceptions and takeaways.

Lamar Jackson

The quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, against whom Porter recorded his first career interception in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“Keep the main thing the main thing. Keep elevating my game and not getting complacent. That's the main thing I'm working on. How I'm going to lock down these dudes and get turnovers? I feel like that's the next step. Getting them turnovers. That shit's gonna come. I'm going to start getting those.”

— Joey Porter Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers Cornerback

What’s next

Porter will look to increase his interceptions and takeaways during the 2026 NFL season as he aims to solidify his status as one of the league's elite cornerbacks.

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of turnovers and splash plays for NFL cornerbacks, and how a young player like Joey Porter Jr. is determined to take his game to the next level by focusing on that area of improvement. His goal of becoming a true game-changer in the secondary could help him earn greater recognition and accolades.