Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) laughs on the sideline while watching a practice session at Saint Vincent College.
Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers still haven't offered Joey Porter Jr. a contract extension. He wants a $33 million-per-year deal as he heads into the final year of his current contract.
In July 2023, the Steelers signed Porter to a four-year $9.6 million deal as a rookie.
On Friday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler explained the predicament as a “classic stalemate” and laid out a few specifics, per SportsCenter.
“This is a classic stalemate,” Fowler said. “I am told the player has not been happy with the way things have gone because they paid other players. They haven't made him a formal offer that matches his skill set. It feels like he's been a really good corner for them. It's a situation where they want him to play out the contract essentially because they haven't made him an offer. He hasn't been practicing. He's listed with a back injury, but really it's about his contract as well. ”
Then Fowler explains that this situation can go one of two ways.
“Something's going to have to give here. Do teams maybe call the Pittsburgh Steelers to see if he's available?”
Names to watch over the weekend and where things stand with Christian Gonzalez and Joey Porter Jr. @SportsCenter with @KevinNegandhi @itsthebaldgirl pic.twitter.com/vMQBfkog0q
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 28, 2026
Other Pittsburgh players have received contract extensions.
TE Darnell Washington signed a four-year $42 million contract extension in July. That same month, LB Nick Herbig signed a historic $100 million contract extension. DT Keeanu Benton signed a $72 million contract extension.
In his rookie year, Porter played in 14 games and recorded 35 tackles, including 34 solo tackles. He also came away with one interception, 14 pass deflections, and one sack.
Meanwhile, Porter has been out during training camp due to a back injury. He is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.