Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. watches drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College, Thursday, July 30, 2026, in Latrobe.
The clock is ticking on the Steelers to get cornerback Joey Porter Jr. under contract before Sunday’s season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
The team’s self-imposed deadline of Sunday is making the hours leading up to the game agonizing for Porter — a Pittsburgh native who is the son of a Steelers Super Bowl hero.
The Steelers have signed many players on the Friday or Saturday before the opener, most recently tight end Pat Freiermuth two years ago.
Porter was asked at his locker Friday afternoon if he is optimistic a new deal will get done.
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers talks with teammates during training camp at Saint Vincent College, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, in Latrobe.
“Not really,” Porter said. “At this point, we have [two days] until game day. The clock is ticking. It is what it is at this point. We’re going to be prepared regardless of the situation. And we’re going to play ball.”
The Steelers will officially list a game status for Porter later in the day Friday. He was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. The Steelers held a walkthrough at their facility on Friday and will have a practice Saturday.
Porter said his back injury and conditioning level are factors regarding his status for Sunday. However, he said he thinks he’ll be ready to go.
This summer, Porter has watched as other top NFL cornerbacks signed record-breaking deals.
The latest was New England’s Christian Gonzalez, who reset the market with an average annual salary of $33.75 million per season. Last month, Seattle’s Devon Witherspoon signed for an average of $33 million per season.
There are six cornerbacks currently making more than $30 million per season. Then there is a big gap until the next tier of corners, who make between $20 million and $25 million per year. Carolina’s Jaycee Horn is at the top of that tier.
NFL Network reported earlier this month Porter wanted to be the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback, but he said that report is not accurate.
Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy calls out to his team during training camp at Saint Vincent College, Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Latrobe.
“I don’t know where that came from,” Porter said. “Whoever made that up ... it’s the internet.”
Porter’s father also went through a contentious negotiation with the team 20 years ago. Joey Porter, an outside linebacker with the Steelers from 1999-2006 and a member of the Super Bowl XL team, did not get a new contract after the 2006 season.
He ended up signing with the Miami Dolphins in 2007 and played five more years in the league before returning to coach the Steelers’ outside linebackers.
Joey Jr. grew up around the Steelers and was a constant presence at the team facility when his dad coached here.
“At the end of the day, it’s business,” Porter said. “I have my head straight to understand that. My dad has been in this league as a coach and player, so he has knowledge on that. It’s nothing new to me, even though this is my first go-round.”
It’s been a strange and stressful offseason for Porter.
He and his father attended Mike McCarthy’s introductory news conference in January at Acrisure Stadium. Porter was the only current Steelers player to attend. After that, there has been a bit of awkwardness.
Porter did not participate in spring workouts and was limited in his participation at mandatory minicamp. He “held in” during training camp and returned to practice only two weeks ago, after he was removed from the physically unable to perform list.
Meanwhile, three other players from the Steelers’ 2023 draft class have signed long-term contracts — Nick Herbig, Darnell Washington and Keeanu Benton.
If Porter does not play Sunday against the Falcons or is limited due to injury or inactivity, Asante Samuel Jr. will play a big role as his replacement.
Samuel is in his sixth NFL season and has 50 career starts, including three last season with the Steelers. He was a four-year starter for the Los Angeles Chargers after entering the league as a second-round draft pick in 2021.
The Steelers signed Samuel in the middle of last season when he was coming off of neck surgery. He was one of the Steelers’ better defenders in camp and the preseason.
“I prepare like I’m going to play when I go out there for every practice,” Samuel said. “Whatever happens is what it’s going to be. I hope Joey gets everything situated. I’m just preparing like I always prepare.”
Even though he isn’t optimistic, Porter is holding out hope a deal can come together.
“I hope so, man,” Porter said. “That’s all I can do is hope.”
First Published: September 11, 2026, 6:14 p.m.