Steelers’ Porter Jr., Herbig limit minicamp drills as rookie deals near end

Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and outside linebacker Nick Herbig limited their on-field work during the Pittsburgh Steelers’ mandatory minicamp on Tuesday in Pittsburgh. Both players were in uniform but sat out individual position drills during the media viewing period. Around the NFL this practice is commonly viewed as a “hold-in,” where players report but reduce workloads while contract matters progress. Neither player publicly labeled it that way.

Team officials did not provide a formal update on contract timelines. The approach keeps both players present for meetings and installs while managing risk ahead of training camp. Their decisions come as each enters the final year of a rookie deal, a point when starters and high-usage contributors often seek clarity on role and compensation.

Porter, selected with the first pick of the second round in 2023, has quickly become a fixture in the secondary with frequent assignments against opponents’ top receivers. He posted 14 passes defensed last season and has recorded interceptions across his career to date, reinforcing his case for an upgraded deal. His participation Tuesday was limited to observing drills and staying engaged with defensive backs during teaching periods.

Herbig, a 2023 fourth-round pick, has carved out production in a deep edge group featuring T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Despite only 11 career starts through three seasons, he delivered a career-high 7.5 sacks and an interception in 2025 and has nine career forced fumbles. His role across sub-packages and on special teams has added value as the Steelers manage snaps along the front seven.

Minicamp participation managed amid contract timelines

During Tuesday’s session, both players remained close to their position groups, signaling continued involvement in day-to-day preparation. The balance—being available for meetings and walkthrough concepts while skipping higher-risk individual periods—is a familiar path for veterans and starters as negotiations unfold. The Steelers typically keep contract talks in-house, and there was no indication of a deadline or framework being discussed publicly.

Other members of the team’s 2023 draft class, including tight end Darnell Washington and defensive lineman Keeanu Benton, took part in individual work Tuesday. Their full participation offered a contrast in approach among players at similar stages of their rookie deals.

Roles, production and contract leverage

Porter’s usage and outlook

Since entering the league in 2023, Porter has been trusted in extensive one-on-one coverage assignments on the outside. Last season’s 14 passes defensed and his playmaking profile support his belief he belongs among the league’s top corners. Managing workload at minicamp protects against unnecessary risk while talks progress toward training camp.

Herbig’s place in a deep edge rotation

Herbig’s production has come while working behind two established starters, which contextualizes his snap counts and starting totals. Even so, his 2025 output—7.5 sacks and steady impact on the ball—strengthens his negotiating position. Limiting individual drills this week aligns with the risk calculus for situational rushers entering a contract year.

Attention now turns to whether either player reaches an agreement before training camp. If no deals materialize, their workloads will bear monitoring as the Steelers balance starters’ health with preparation across the preseason ramp-up.