Joey Porter Jr. flat out said no to a contract extension that would have paid him slightly over $27 million for the 2026 season. This isn’t some rumor; Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported it, and it adds a huge layer to what’s already a wild situation with Porter and the Steelers. The dude is in the final year of his rookie contract, and a long-term deal couldn’t get done this summer.
The Money, The Policy, The Standoff
If this report is accurate, that $27 million offer would have made Porter the seventh-highest-paid cornerback in the NFL, based on average annual value. Think about it: that puts him just ahead of Carolina’s Jaycee Horn, who pulls in $25 million annually, and right below Houston’s Derek Stingley Jr. at $30 million. But here’s the kicker: the Steelers have a longstanding tradition. They just don’t talk contracts with players once the regular season kicks off. So, unless they pull a complete 180 on that policy or move him in a trade, it looks like Porter is playing this 2026 season straight through on his rookie deal.
Injury, Inactivity, and an Unsettling Return
Porter hasn’t even hit the field yet this season, missing Pittsburgh’s first two games, including their Week 2 loss to the Patriots. The reason given was a back injury. But hold up, during that Week 2 game, CBS Sports lead NFL sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson dropped a bombshell: the Steelers have cleared Porter of that back injury. He’s reportedly in “good enough football shape” to play in Week 3 against the Bengals. The catch? Whether or not he actually plays is “up to him.” Steelers coach Mike McCarthy did mention on Monday that the back injury flared up during last Wednesday’s practice, and Porter will be evaluated again on Wednesday morning. Wolfson also noted that while there’s “nothing but respect for Porter,” the no-negotiating-during-season policy is firm. And no, the Steelers aren’t actively shopping him, nor have they received any calls about a trade. This guy’s value is undeniable: last season, he led the entire NFL in passer rating against as the primary defender in coverage, posting a ridiculous 49.1 rating on a minimum of 60 pass attempts. Nobody else was even sub-50. He was better than guys like Patrick Surtain II ($96 million over four years), Stingley ($90 million over three years), and Christian Gonzalez ($135 million over four years), all of whom got massive paydays.
Facing the Fire in Week 3
So, what’s next? The Steelers are staring down a Week 3 clash with the Bengals, who are currently 2-0 after taking down the Buccaneers and the Texans. And let’s not forget, Cincinnati rolls out arguably the best receiving duo in the NFL with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Porter’s presence in that secondary would be a game-changer. His decision on whether to play, after reportedly turning down a monster deal, is going to be the biggest storyline heading into Sunday. The Steelers need him out there, simple as that.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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