Joey Porter Jr. flat-out refused to commit to playing in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ season opener against Atlanta on September 13 if he cannot come to terms on a new contract. “I don’t know,” Porter said when asked if he’d play, adding he has to talk to the front office and his agents. This isn’t just a tough negotiation; this is a star cornerback potentially sitting out Week 1, and the clock is absolutely ticking.
The Standoff: Value vs. Reality for a Star CB
Porter, a fourth-year cornerback, is heading into the final year of his rookie deal, the one he signed after being a second-round pick in 2023. Back in June, he was already saying he believes he’s one of the best defensive backs in the league and expects to be paid that way. Three months later, nothing’s changed on the contract front, even with his balky back feeling good enough for practice on Tuesday. General manager Omar Khan wants Porter in Pittsburgh for his whole career, which is what you’d expect. But with coach Mike McCarthy calling the two sides at an impasse, it sounds like they are worlds apart right now. Let’s be real, this guy hasn’t allowed a touchdown pass as the primary defender since his rookie season; that kind of production demands serious attention.
Business Is Business, But the Clock Is Ticking Loud
Porter essentially grew up in that Steelers locker room, deep ties to the organization, which he admits makes this business side of things “tough.” He’s not wrong. “It’s been tough, I’m not going to lie, and it’s my first go-around with this,” he said. Still, he feels the support from his teammates and coaches. He’s even happy for other 2023 draft class guys like linebacker Nick Herbig and tight end Darnell Washington who already got their new deals. “Those are my guys,” Porter said, “So I was ecstatic that they got paid.” Here’s the kicker, though: Pittsburgh has a long-standing policy of not negotiating once the regular season starts. That’s a firm deadline, folks. They’ve done last-minute deals before, like T.J. Watt just 72 hours before Week 1 in 2021. But can they pull it off again with a player who’s shrugging when asked about his hopes for a deal? “I could hope and think all day, but it’s really, it’s up to (the front office) and what they want to do with this team,” he added.
With less than two weeks until the season opener, the front office has to make a move. You can’t start the season without one of your best defensive players, especially when he’s publicly stating he doesn’t know if he’ll play. It’s time to get this done, Pittsburgh. Week 1 is staring everyone down, and Porter Jr. is looking for his payday.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
Leave a Reply