Joey Porter Jr.’s Price Gets Clearer As Browns Reset CB Market With Denzel Ward - Steelers Depot

What the report says

Steelers Depot reported that the Cleveland Browns’ new agreement with cornerback Denzel Ward could affect the Pittsburgh Steelers’ eventual contract talks with Joey Porter Jr. Citing ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the outlet said Ward and Cleveland agreed to a two-year extension worth $62.2 million, including $52.3 million guaranteed. The report said the deal would make Ward the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history for the second time in his career.

According to Steelers Depot, Ward had previously signaled he wanted to remain with the Browns, even after Cleveland traded defensive end Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams earlier in the offseason. Ward still had two years remaining on his prior contract, meaning the new extension is scheduled to apply after that deal. The reported average value of slightly more than $31 million per year places him above other top-paid cornerbacks mentioned by the outlet, including Trent McDuffie, Derek Stingley Jr. and Sauce Gardner.

The Pittsburgh angle is Porter, a young Steelers cornerback whose next deal could become more expensive as the market rises. Steelers Depot noted that five cornerbacks now make at least $25 million per year, suggesting that range may be a starting point for future Porter negotiations. The article also referenced insider James Palmer’s view that Christian Gonzalez and Devon Witherspoon could eventually surpass Ward’s number.

The outlet framed the development as a reason for Pittsburgh to act sooner rather than later if it wants to extend Porter. It also noted that Porter was added to the physically unable to perform list, a factor that could complicate timing, though no outcome in negotiations was reported.