The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a full-blown staredown with one of their top defensive backs, Joey Porter Jr., who is holding in for a new contract as of August 24, 2026. This isn’t just about money, though; Porter is also on the physically unable to perform list after aggravating his back during a mobility test on the first day of training camp. It’s a double whammy for Pittsburgh, and the clock is ticking.
The Steel City’s Secondary Crisis
This whole situation has thrown a wrench into the Steelers’ early season plans. While some chatter has been around backup QBs Will Howard and Drew Allar, everyone’s attention shifted hard to Porter and his notable absence from practice. Steelers coach Mike McCarthy didn’t mince words, stating the team is at an “impasse” with Porter. And it’s not just Porter dealing with issues; fellow defensive back Jalen Ramsey also missed training camp with a knee injury, though he was thankfully taken off the PUP list on Monday. Ramsey himself is clearly frustrated, telling ESPN, “We need the whole secondary out there. They got to pay Joey Porter, and we need got some other guys that are out as well. So, the secondary has not been out there together yet, so I can’t answer that for you.” Yikes. Pittsburgh’s unofficial deadline to get something done with Porter is September 13, when they host the Falcons in Week 1. That’s not a lot of time to get their cornerstone corner ready.
Potential Blockbuster Moves on the Horizon
While it’s most likely Porter stays in Pittsburgh through 2026, the league is buzzing with “what if” scenarios. If things truly break down, two teams immediately jump out as potential landing spots. First up, the Dallas Cowboys. This makes all kinds of sense for Jerry Jones, the 83-year-old owner who is desperate to end a 31-year championship drought. He loves a splashy trade, and he’s been in spending mode since trading Micah Parsons last summer, leaving them with considerable cap space. Porter would be a perfect complement to their secondary and could even mentor first-round pick Caleb Downs. Plus, Jones and Steelers GM Omar Khan have a history of working out significant trades. Then there are the Chicago Bears. Their pass defense was a huge weakness in 2025 and looks to continue that trend without major changes. Despite drafting safety Dillon Thieneman, injuries to starting safety Coby Bryant (knee) and nickelback Kyler Gordon (calf) mean they need help. Porter’s arrival would absolutely strengthen their Super Bowl aspirations, and conveniently, Khan and Bears GM Ryan Poles also have a trade history.
Pittsburgh has until September 13 to figure out the Joey Porter Jr. situation before their Week 1 clash with the Falcons. Will they pay the man and get their secondary intact, or will one of these other teams swoop in for a massive move? That’s the question on everyone’s mind right now.
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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