Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) observes training camp drills at Saint Vincent College
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Pittsburgh General Manager Omar Khan kept a tight lip while talking about Joey Porter Jr.’s contract negotiation. He refused to go into specifics of the negotiation, but he did mention that Porter Jr. will hopefully finish his career in Pittsburgh.
“We won't talk publicly about the negotiations per se, but Joey knows how we feel about him, and I still hope Joey finishes his career here. Our policy is going to remain in place, but I'm not going to talk about negotiations,” Khan said.
Omar Khan on Joey Porter Jr. #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/0KWdpi3CWK
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) August 31, 2026
Irrespective of where things stand between the two parties, Porter can still practice with the team and play the regular-season games.
“In the next couple of weeks, not just Joey, but anyone that we feel is healthy and available to us, we expect him to practice. He got taken off [PUP]. Our medical staff felt like he was good to go,” Khan added.
Though the Steelers also have a philosophy of their own, which many call “hardline deadlines and zero in-season negotiations.” The Steelers cut off the contract negotiations at the beginning of the season. According to them, the focus should remain on football during the regular season.
So technically, the Steelers' front office has a short window to sign Porter if they want to offer an extension. While there are roster options to fill the position, the team has until Week 1 to decide the cornerback's future.
Additionally, the Steelers received a positive update on the injured wide receivers DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman, as well as safety Jaquan Brisker. All of these players are expected to suit up for Week 1, as reported by ESPN.
However, veteran safety DeShon Elliot would not suit up against the Atlanta Falcons for Week 1.