Steelers Offseason Moves: WR Signings, Guard Targets, and Joey Porter Jr. Extension

Steelers Sign AT Perry

• 💡 The Steelers signed AT Perry, a 6'5", 205 lb wide receiver, to a reserve/futures contract, representing a low-risk, high-upside addition for the team.
• 🚀 Perry showed impressive production at Wake Forest but struggled to stick with the Saints and Broncos, where he was on the practice squad.
• ✅ In 2023, he caught 12 receptions for 246 yards and four touchdowns in limited opportunities with the Saints, demonstrating his potential.
• 🎯 His 6'5" height and ability to win contested catches align with Mike McCarthy's preference for big, physical receivers.

Offensive Line Decisions: David Edwards

• 💰 The Steelers are considering David Edwards, a guard from the Buffalo Bills, as a potential replacement for Isaac Seumalo, who might leave in free agency.
• 📊 Edwards is a highly valued guard with 103 games and 77 starts in the NFL, known for his proven pass-blocking track record.
• ⚠️ His projected average annual value is $19.9 million, with a realistic contract estimated at four years and $80 million, raising concerns about financial allocation.
• 🧠 While crucial for the offensive line, spending $80 million on a guard is questioned given other team needs at receiver and in the secondary.

Targeting Christian Kirk

• 🏈 The front office is considering Christian Kirk, a slot receiver from the Houston Texans, who previously had a dominant performance against the Steelers in the playoffs.
• 📈 Kirk had WR1 numbers in 2022 with 84 receptions for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns, but his production has been limited by injuries in recent seasons.
• 💡 The Steelers previously attempted to trade for Kirk in 2024, indicating prior strategic interest in him, and his projected contract is two years for $15 million ($7.5M/year).
• ⚠️ A major concern is Kirk's recent injury history and inability to consistently stay on the field, despite his potential to pair well with DK Metcalf.

Joey Porter Jr. Contract Extension

• 🔒 Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. recently posted "three years, zero TDs allowed," highlighting his exceptional performance and confidence.
• 📊 In 2025, Porter Jr. allowed the 10th lowest completion rate in the NFL at 53%, despite not receiving any All-Pro team votes.
• 💰 Market projections estimate his contract extension at $15-20 million per year over three or four years, which the speaker believes the Steelers should pay immediately.
• ✅ Extending Porter Jr. is seen as a smart decision that aligns with the "Steeler way" of physical, intimidating defense and represents the team's identity.

Offseason Strategy & Financial Considerations

• 🛠️ The Steelers face crucial financial decisions this offseason to upgrade talent while managing the salary cap and addressing various roster needs.
• 💸 Balancing high-cost investments like David Edwards with more affordable options and potential extensions for homegrown stars is a key challenge.
• 🎯 The team's philosophy emphasizes dominating the trenches, making offensive line decisions particularly significant.
• 🧠 The speaker stresses the importance of smart decisions from the front office to compete in a razor-thin AFC margin.