The Pittsburgh Steelers have had two solid seasons from cornerback Joey Porter Jr. When the Steelers drafted him in the 2023 season, he showed a lot of potential early on. Porter displayed the physical tools and instincts that made him a standout at Penn State, and he quickly earned meaningful snaps as a rookie. By the end of his first year, there was buzz around the league about his ceiling as a future shutdown cornerback.
In his second season, though, that early promise was met with some growing pains. While Porter continued to flash elite-level traits, he also drew criticism for a high number of holding penalties and lapses in technique. His 2024 campaign wasn’t a disaster, but it wasn’t a major step forward either. The inconsistencies in his game have raised questions about whether he can fully evolve into the lockdown CB1 the Steelers hoped for when they made him a second-round pick.
According to Steelers insider Chris Carter, 2025 will be a pivotal year for Porter. In his Wednesday mailbag, Carter emphasized that this upcoming season could determine whether Porter solidifies his place as a long-term piece of the Steelers’ defense or risks being replaced. With expectations rising and the Steelers aiming to compete at a high level, Porter will need to take the next step in his development to prove he belongs in Pittsburgh for the long haul.
"Porter has to show he can be a CB1 for the future this season," Carter said. "Otherwise, it will make next training camp a big issue for him. If he plays well this year and cuts down on the penalties, I would see an extension coming for him rather quickly."
So Porter’s future in Pittsburgh isn’t quite in trouble just yet. However, if the 2025 season doesn’t show the improvements he has to make, then he will be in a lot of trouble come next training camp in the mind of Carter. The Steelers have been patient with his development, but that patience will only last so long if the same issues continue to show up in year three.
Carter is likely pointing this out because Porter will be finishing his rookie contract after the 2025 season. At that point, the Steelers would have to decide whether to invest in him with a second deal or start looking elsewhere at the position. That decision becomes much tougher if Porter remains inconsistent and doesn’t clean up the parts of his game that have caused concern.
The Steelers are not expected to move on from Porter easily. They value young talent, especially at a premium position like cornerback, and Porter has already shown he can compete at a high level. But the NFL is a business, and when production does not match the price it takes to keep a player, tough decisions are sometimes necessary. Porter still controls his future in Pittsburgh, but he will need to show the team he is worth building around in 2025.
Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. Is In Good Hands In 2025
It is not uncommon for a player drafted in Porter’s position to find himself at a crossroads entering his third season. This is simply part of the business in the NFL, where early promise must quickly turn into consistent production. Fortunately, Porter has a lot of confidence in his own abilities, and with the addition of new defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander, there is plenty of optimism that the issues holding him back can be addressed and smoothed out effectively.
Another big advantage for Porter is the presence of veteran cornerback Darius Slay in the Steelers’ secondary. The team signed Slay to a one-year, $10 million deal during the offseason to strengthen the corner opposite Porter. Slay has openly committed to mentoring Porter and sharing the techniques and insights that have made him one of the league’s elite corners. Having a seasoned pro like Slay alongside him provides Porter with an invaluable resource as he works to elevate his game.
Steelers fans are excited to see Porter take on this high-stakes season with renewed focus and support. The combination of a strong coaching staff and a veteran mentor sets the stage for Porter to make meaningful strides and prove he belongs among the best at his position. This season could very well be the one where he begins to live up to the promise that made him such a highly regarded draft pick.
