Analyst Doubts Joey Porter Jr. Deserves Top-Five Corner Money at Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been negotiating a contract with Joey Porter Jr. this offseason. Though no extensive drama has surfaced, Porter knows his value to the team and is prepared to hold in. He deployed this strategy during mandatory minicamp, and optimism remains that a deal will get done. However, one notable analyst is hesitant to pay Porter the top dollar he deserves. Doug Whaley joined 93.7 The Fan and said he would not pay that record-setting money, citing Porter's lack of turnovers.
"The biggest issue I would have … the lack of interception," Whaley said. "To me, to be considered top five, you have to get your hands on the ball … that's probably where the big difference is where he wants to be."
Whaley, a former Steelers front-office executive of 10 years, makes a reasonable argument when discussing expectations for a top-five corner. However, when you examine the landscape, especially compared to his 2023 draft classmates, the turnover argument shrinks. Not because turnovers don't matter, but because other top corners' production tells a different story.
Porter Is Just as Productive as His Draft Classmates
The Steelers took Porter 32nd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Two players taken ahead of him, Devon Witherspoon of the Seattle Seahawks and Christian Gonzalez of the New England Patriots, are also due for contract extensions. Not only are those two negotiating deals, but teams also consider them top-10 cornerbacks in the NFL. Still, Porter produces turnovers at a similar rate to both of them.
Since entering the league, Porter has recorded three interceptions. Gonzalez also has three, and Witherspoon has two. Digging deeper into pass-defense metrics, Porter has recorded 31 passes defensed. Witherspoon leads this trio with 32, and Gonzalez has 24. Each plays a different role and style within his respective defense, and all three are critical to their secondaries. Porter is a lockdown corner, and the argument that he shouldn't be paid as much because of turnovers is debatable at best.
Even Patrick Surtain II, arguably the NFL's top cornerback, recorded only one interception last season.
Porter Is a Shutdown, Press Corner
Even Whaley admitted Porter is a press corner in this discussion. Porter hasn't allowed a touchdown in his career aside from a debatable blown coverage in 2023, which most analysts attribute to former safety Damontae Kazee. Regardless, allowing one touchdown in three years is impressive work. Porter's physical play and growth were on full display in 2025. He cut down on penalties, shut down opposing receivers, and suffered a notable Pro Bowl snub.
The Steelers have had corners who created turnovers over the years, but none has erased a side of the field like Porter has. More importantly, Porter is only going to get better and continue to grow his game. He's learning the subtle tricks of the trade, and it shows. Whaley's notion that turnovers are such a big deal doesn't hold up. Need an example?
Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy was the Dallas Cowboys' head coach when DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs had massive years, producing nine and 11 interceptions, respectively. However, both blew plenty of coverages over the years. Neither comes close to the shutdown ability of Porter, Gonzalez, or Witherspoon.
Bottom line: Porter is well worth the price tag, turnover production or not.
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This story was originally published July 2, 2026 at 5:00 AM.