Joey Porter Jr. missed last night’s Buccaneers-Cowboys game because of a “sudden illness,” but trust me, that’s not what got everyone talking. The chatter around the league is way more pointed, especially when you look at Porter Jr.’s past moves.
“Sick” or Strategic? The Echoes From Pittsburgh Are Loud
This isn’t the first time Porter Jr.’s health has conveniently coincided with his contract situation. Remember his “back injury” that kept him off the field for the Steelers? That “injury” only vanished once he got his wish, a trade straight to the Cowboys. So yeah, when he suddenly can’t play due to an “illness” now, people are going to connect those dots faster than a wide receiver on a slant route.
Richard Sherman Just Went There
Prime Video analyst Richard Sherman didn’t mince words on the pregame show, flat-out suggesting what many were thinking. He said, “I think maybe if they would have gave him a new contract, maybe he would have been a little healthier today.” That’s a direct shot, telling you exactly where the league’s mind is at. It’s tough to deny the pattern when an analyst of Sherman’s caliber calls it out so clearly. The feeling is that this “illness” is less about germs and more about greenbacks.
But the kicker is this: the source points out that Porter Jr. doesn’t really have anything to gain by sitting out now. He already got his ticket out of Pittsburgh. If he keeps finding what the report calls “phony excuses” to avoid playing, he’s just shooting himself in the foot for the long haul. His best bet, right now, is to play his absolute best. That’s how he gets that big long-term deal, a franchise tag, or puts himself on the open market.
So, what’s next for Porter Jr.? He’s gotta show up, simple as that. The game last night was missed, but the next one? He needs to be out there, proving he’s committed and worth that next big contract. His future bag depends on it, and the league is definitely watching every move he makes now.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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