Joey Porter, Jr has to feel like the John Travolta GIF right now. He walks in and sees everyone else getting new contracts or extensions, shrugs his shoulders and wonders, “What the Hell man?” This isn’t a knock on the guys that have been rewarded at all. It’s just a fact that JPJ is arguably the best among them and has nothing to show for it yet. This all stems from the Pittsburgh Steelers reaching an extension with Keeanu Benton for four years and $72 million last evening.
So far in 2026, Porter, Jr has yet to participate in Training Camp. We can be upset with him but we shouldn’t be. His agent is doing exactly what should be done. He’s waiting for the shift in the market that’s sure to come. Seattle’s Devon Witherspoon and New England’s Christian Gonzalez are both awaiting big paydays. JPJ would be silly to sign anything until he knows what those two are getting. It’s just common sense whether we like it or not.
As for Benton, he becomes the Steelers highest paid defensive lineman ever. This is definitive proof of Andy Weidl’s impact from the front office. Since his arrival from Philadelphia, the organization has put renewed emphasis on the trenches. Is it fair to question this type of commitment to Benton? I think it’s fair simply because of his up and down play last year.
While statistically it was Benton’s best season, he struggled against the run. With 5.5 sacks and pretty consistent pressure, his pass rushing skills were well above average. Benton seemed to have problems against the run largely because he just wasn’t able to anchor in the middle. Double teams were successful more often than not against Benton which allowed ball carriers into the second level.
What his new deal tells me is that the Steelers believe he will be better moving forward. With experience, a new coaching staff and better depth around him, he should have a better season. Whether he plays over the center or not will be determined by the situation and how happy Patrick Graham is with Yahya Black. Did the Steelers have to get something done with Benton? I believe they did. Despite those issues against the run they needed to lock him much in the same way they did with Nick Herbig. You just can’t let rising, young talent go in other words.
As we’ve discussed on the podcast, JPJ will eventually get his deal. Keeanu Benton now has his and simply has to live up to it.
