Steelers CB Levi Wallace assured of starting role

As detailed by Mark Kaboly of The Athletic, Porter is firmly in contention for a starting role as a perimeter corner. If he is able to secure that spot, Peterson would be well-positioned to transition from outside corner duties to more of a hybrid alignment which would see him log considerable time as a safety alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick. Such a scenario was discussed between Peterson and the Steelers’ coaching staff not long after his arrival on a two-year deal.

In the event Porter earns a first-team spot, veteran Levi Wallace would line up opposite him. The latter logged a 76% snap share in 2022, his first Steelers campaign. The former Bills UDFA had a strong showing with four interceptions, 13 pass deflections and a 53.2% completion percentage allowed in coverage. 

One year remains on his contract, and he is due to carry a $5.48M cap hit — more than a reasonable rate for a full-time starter at the CB spot.

As Kaboly notes, Wallace is assured of starting regardless of if Porter wins the job opposite him, or Peterson is used in his traditional corner spot. In the latter case, Porter would be used off the bench and Chandon Sullivan would be used in the slot. 

Matching his performance from last season would allow Wallace, 28, to handle and uptick in playing time and put himself in a strong position ahead of free agency while giving Pittsburgh a consistent performer in the secondary.

Beyond that, questions will be raised about Porter’s readiness to play a major role as a rookie — something he was thought to be capable of coming out of college as one of the highest-rated members of this year’s strong corner class. 

At the age of 33, a move to safety would also likely pay dividends for Peterson with respect to prolonging his career and ensuring his effectiveness with a third career team.