As the preseason finale approaches for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the non-quarterback storyline dominating the team is the contract negotiations with star cornerback Joey Porter, Jr. Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy wants to get to work with Porter, but understands the nature of the business.
“I learned this in my early years as a head coach; you have to separate the business from the football,” McCarthy said. “Sometimes it’s easier than others.”
The 26-year-old cornerback is coming off his best season as a pro and is entering the fourth year of his rookie deal. The Steelers locked up two other draft picks from the same class in Nick Herbig and Darnell Washington. You can assume both sides want to get a deal done, but as of right now, the negotiations are at an “impasse.”
I wouldn’t worry too much, Steelers fans. The only concern is when the deal is done and what shape Porter Jr will be in.
For now, here is Tuesday’s Three Rivers Report.
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ODDITIES OF ROSTER DECISIONS IN COMING WEEKS
While we await the roster decisions in coming weeks, the Steelers will likely engage in inconsistent decision-making and do some thing that are hard to figure from an outside view.
First, we have heard McCarthy declare players need to do multiple things to make the roster and not being helpful on STs is a huge negative. As to same, this can be a self-fulfilling prophecy as the coaches can simply not play certain guys on STs without even giving them a chance via practice and then have an excuse for cutting anyone. Also, the team is considering keeping four QBs. None of the last two will be helping on STs nor do they play any other role. So there is an immediate conflict to the rule and what they may do. Of course, there will be excuses. And before anyone says it, please name the other team that must have Howard on its roster and the key role he will play. I like Howard but the viewpoint on him here is almost certainly not shared in other cities.
Second, as to initial cuts, several older guys can but initially cut and then added back. Tonyan, Roberts, Holcomb, and the new vet safety are a few. McCollum too. What role that plays as to who gets kept is unknown.
Third, I have no idea what they are doing at ILB. None. They have six guys that can play in the NFL. They typically keep four. They have given Harrison no run which seems predetermined.
Fourth, is Eckles going to be healthy? What is JPJ doing and is he playing? Why is Homer on the team? He’s a past his prime ST guy who you can claim plays RB but is lousy at it. How is that different from being a position player that is better at a spot, but not being as good at STs?
We will see what happens. But hidden biases and inconsistencies will likely dictate what happens this year. Not just logical moves.
The 53-man roster deadline is near, and there is no perfect process to nail down the best 53 players, but are the Steelers on the right track?
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