Coach Mike McCarthy’s Pittsburgh Steelers are trying to assemble the best team possible with the goal of returning to the postseason and hopefully doing some damage this time around. The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since 2016, and coach McCarthy is trying to erase that drought before it gets even worse.
To do so, he’ll need help from everyone on the roster, yet there’s some drama taking place in Pittsburgh right now and the Steelers don’t seem to know what to do next.
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Pittsburgh Steelers At A Loss With Joey Porter Jr.
Pittsburgh Steelers, Joey Porter Jr.
Jul 30, 2026; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) observes training camp drills at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Steelers starting cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is heading into the final season of his rookie contract. The 32nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has started 41 of his 47 appearances since landing with the Steelers in the second round four seasons ago.
Now 26 years old, Porter Jr. is hoping to secure a new contract before the season kicks off. For now, he’s on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list after tweaking a back injury on the first day of training camp. Coincidence? Perhaps not.
While the Steelers have discussed a new contract with their starting corner, coach McCarthy recently told ESPN’s Brooke Pryor that the team is “at an impasse” with Porter.
“I would love the opportunity to coach Joey Porter. I know our defensive guys would love the opportunity. So we’re at an impasse right here, and you got to respect that. Every one of us has a contract. The organization, they have beliefs and so forth. But yeah, that’s just kind of where we are.”
Steelers Coach Mike McCarthy on Joey Porter
The Steelers prefer to get any contract negotiations done before the season kicks off. Yet, unless they reach a deal with Porter, it may make sense to change that stance. Of course, everyone would probably prefer to just hammer out an extension now, but ESPN’s sources indicate there “hasn’t been meaningful progress on extension talks.” They also haven’t taken or made any trade calls regarding Porter either.
Ultimately, as McCarthy said, the team has reached an “impasse.” It’s anyone’s guess what happens from here, but chances are the Steelers will find a way to get their talented corner back on the field.
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