Porter Jr. is in the final year of a four-year, $9.61 million rookie contract that runs through 2026. Rumors have circulated that he could be traded after contract talks reportedly stalled before Week 1, with the team’s initial offer described as well below his asking price. James “Deebo” Harrison, a two-time Super Bowl champion, criticized the Steelers’ approach, arguing that negotiations began too late and that the early offer was low, followed by discussions focusing on structure rather than overall value.
Ahead of the season, the Steelers extended contracts to tight end Darnell Washington ($42 million), linebacker Nick Herbig ($100 million), and defensive tackle Keeanu Benton ($72 million). All three players entered the league in the 2023 NFL Draft alongside Porter, making Porter the only one among them not to secure a sizable new deal.
NFL insider Ari Meirov weighed in on the situation, suggesting the Steelers and Porter were not aligned. He noted Porter did not play in the season opener and described the back issue as the team’s stated reason. Meirov added that negotiations appeared to have picked up only a couple of weeks before the season and that the initial offer was, in his view, disappointing.
Reports indicate the Steelers offered around $25 million per year as their first proposal. In today’s market, cornerbacks with similar profiles are earning roughly $30 million per year, according to ESPN. The Steelers have a reputation for firm negotiating terms, often prioritizing guarantees within the first year and limiting guarantees in longer deals.
Industry commentary suggests that if Porter were to hit the open market, his value could be in the vicinity of a deal with around $90 million guaranteed, depending on contract length. However, the Steelers are not typically inclined to commit large guaranteed sums early in a deal, which has been a recurring theme in their contract negotiations.
Porter has reportedly been eyeing a trade, and the Steelers are believed to be seeking substantial compensation in return, with some discussions focusing on first-round picks. At present, Porter remains inactive on the roster as the two sides continue to navigate the contract dispute.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions between Porter and the organization regarding contract valuation, despite the Steelers’ strong start to the season. The defensive backfield decision and potential trade developments are closely watched by fans and analysts as the season progresses.
