The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to take on the Cleveland Browns during an exciting Thursday night AFC North matchup. Unfortunately, Mike McCarthy’s squad will take the field without Joey Porter Jr. The fourth-year cornerback was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2028 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick.
It’s a tremendous blow to Patrick Graham’s defense (who never got to use his top cornerback this year). But luckily, Asante Samuel Jr. is prepared for this moment.
The former second-round pick joined Pittsburgh’s practice squad in November 2025. Since then, he’s earned a valuable role as the defense’s starting cornerback. Last season, Samuel Jr. started three games. His 222 defensive snaps resulted in ten tackles and one interception. That was enough to keep the motivated cornerback on the roster for another campaign.
The decision aged perfectly. Samuel took the field while Porter and the front office engaged in ongoing negotiations. During that time, the sixth-year veteran held his own and made key contributions. This season, he’s accounted for eight tackles and two pass deflections.
The additional reps will eventually pay off. Sure, Pittsburgh willingly handed their most promising cornerback to Dallas. But if the team is winning without him on the field, will his absence really make a difference?
I hope not. Samuel has played well, but replacing Porter’s elite coverage efficiency over an entire season is a much larger assignment
The Pittsburgh Steelers need Asante Samuel Jr. to fill Joey Porter Jr.’s vacancy immediately
Let’s be honest: Joey Porter Jr. is a game-changer when on the field. In 2025, he ranked third in passer rating allowed and forced incompletions, with zero touchdowns allowed, according to PFF.com.
Since 2023, the former Nittany Lion ranks fourth in lowest completion percentage allowed in coverage (55%)—just below Christian Gonzalez (53.2%). It’s hard to deny Porter Jr.’s skill set, so why didn’t Pittsburgh’s front office gift him an extension?
Contract negotiations are difficult to navigate when the average market value continues to increase. Trent McDuffie, Christian Gonzalez, and Devon Witherspoon all received contract extensions worth $31 million or more annually during the most recent offseason.
Yes, Porter is a rising defensive back, but he still has ways to go before receiving elite compensation. His biggest blemish was a lack of interceptions. Since 2023, the standout cornerback has only hauled in three interceptions.
Pittsburgh’s decision not to extend Joey Porter Jr.’s contract was difficult to witness. Sure, he carved out a meaningful role during his tenure with the Steelers and is revered as a lockdown defender. But his compensation demands outweighed what the front office was willing to reward him for his production.
Now it’s up to Asante Samuel Jr. to become a permanent asset in Patrick Graham’s defense. There’s no better time than the present, and I believe he will continue to make an impact.
Add us as a preferred source on Google