As training camp approaches, one of the biggest questions surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers remains the status of cornerback Joey Porter Jr.’s contract negotiations. Heading into the final year of his rookie deal, Porter is looking to take advantage of the exploding cornerback market while the Steelers look to lock him up before the cost rises even higher.
Like with any contract negotiation, it’s a situation with numerous internal and external variables. According to local insider Ray Fittipaldo, Porter’s leverage comes from the Steelers’ lack of alternatives.
“Look at the Steelers roster. What are their options if Joey Porter isn’t here? Asante Samuel Jr., rookie Daylen Everette, a third round pick,” Fittipaldo said on the North Shore Drive podcast. “I mean, they haven’t done a great job of having capable capable guys on their roster who could step in and play for Joey Porter Jr. if he’s not there, if he would do the unexpected and hold out into the season. So, again, I think Joey Porter has good leverage in this situation.”
Free agent signing Jamel Dean is slated to start opposite Porter at outside corner and would presumably assume the role of number one cornerback if Porter did held out into the season. After that, it’s a real question mark for the other starting cornerback. That’s exactly where Porter’s leverage comes from.
Asante Samuel Jr., Brandin Echols, and Daylen Everette all provide solid depth, but none would be ideal starters to begin the season. Jalen Ramsey, as we learned last season, is best utilized as a safety and nickel at this point of his career. Deploying him at outside corner should be considered a worst-case scenario.
It’s far too early to worry about the doomsday scenario. Plenty will be said and written about Porter’s negotiations during training camp, but it’s pretty clear where the leverage exists and why.
It’s well-known that the Steelers won’t break from tradition and continue the contract talks once the regular season begins. If a deal is reached, it’ll be before the season kicks off hosting the Atlanta Falcons. The Steelers would surely like to get it done sooner than later as extensions for elite corners like Christian Gonzalez and Devon Witherspoon will only raise Porter’s price tag.
Porter’s value to Pittsburgh’s defense is hard to quantify, especially considering the lack of success they’ve had developing players at the position. Porter’s stable play and durability has made him one of the most important pieces on a defense with plenty of star power.
At this point, there’s no reason to believe that this negotiation will turn contentious or threaten to drag on into the regular season. Still, with Porter holding much of the power and leverage, it’s hard to predict where things will land when the dust settles.
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