Despite low external expectations for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has issued a strong warning to their AFC North rivals. Speaking this week, Porter Jr. emphasized that teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns—all with high-caliber quarterbacks or recent playoff appearances—should be concerned about the Steelers’ competitiveness in the upcoming 2025 campaign.

Porter Jr. stated his team’s intent clearly in an interview with Prospect Media on Wednesday, signaling the Steelers’ readiness to challenge their divisional foes. His confidence comes amid a divisional landscape where rivalries are intense and every team seeks dominance.

Joey Porter Jr. Delivers a Bold Message to AFC North Opponents

Porter Jr. made it clear that Pittsburgh is fully prepared to confront every team in the AFC North, saying, “They all better be worried.” He underscored the mutual determination within the division, noting that his team’s rivals also plan to come after them aggressively.

“So, we ain’t gonna let them get that chance, so we gonna step onto anybody,”

Porter Jr. added, expressing a no-nonsense approach to the competition. His tone and delivery echo the legendary swagger of his father, Joey Porter Sr., a former Steelers linebacker from 1999 to 2006 known for his outspoken trash talk on the field.

Porter Jr.’s remarks come in the wake of a difficult finish to the 2024 season, when the Steelers stumbled in December, suffering losses to both the Ravens and Bengals, including a significant playoff defeat to Baltimore. However, Porter and his defensive teammates remain optimistic about their potential moving forward.

Supporting this optimism, safety Juan Thornhill recently remarked that the Steelers’ defense may develop into “the best of all time,” revealing strong belief in the group’s abilities to improve and compete at a high level.

Porter Jr. Appears Poised for a Breakout 2025 Season

While Porter Jr.’s confident statements might not shock those familiar with the fierce AFC North rivalries, they do highlight his personal readiness for the pressure of the next NFL season. Entering his third year with the Steelers, Porter has earned a starting role midway through his rookie year but still battles inconsistency, often due to penalties.

Last season, Porter led all cornerbacks with 17 penalties, an area where improvement will be critical for his development and the team’s success. The 2025 season takes on added significance as Porter approaches a contract year, potentially seeking an extension. Delivering a more consistent performance will likely be necessary for the Steelers to commit to a lucrative new deal.

Veteran Mentorship from Darius Slay to Elevate Porter Jr.’s Game

Amid his growth, Porter Jr. will benefit from guidance in one of the NFL’s most talented cornerback rooms. The Steelers bolstered their secondary this offseason by acquiring veterans Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey, both expected to play key roles in the defense.

Slay, speaking on ESPN’s The Mina Kimes Show in June, emphasized his commitment to helping Porter Jr. refine his skills.

“They say he can’t catch, but we’re going to fix that. We’re going to catch the rock this year,”

Slay said.

“I have a good resume with me with younger guys trying to help build them, so that’s my job. I’m just here to help him. Do everything I can to make sure he succeeds at what he does and try to get him really to be one of the best in the game.”

The trio of Porter, Slay, and Ramsey is projected to log significant snaps together in 2025. Pundits anticipated that both Porter and Slay would start as outside cornerbacks even before the Steelers added Ramsey via trade late last June. Ramsey is expected to showcase versatility by playing outside corner, slot, and safety positions, potentially increasing the defense’s flexibility.

If this young but talented defensive group performs well, the Steelers will position themselves as a formidable threat in the AFC North, making good on Porter Jr.’s warning and giving rival teams genuine reasons to be on alert.