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Joey Porter Jr.'s Future with Steelers in Doubt
Confirmed
In Short: The Steelers' star cornerback is unlikely to play Sunday due to a back injury and a contract dispute.
Joey Porter Jr. is unlikely to play Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons due to a back injury, adding another layer to an already complicated situation surrounding the star cornerback.
Porter's absence is especially notable because he has been involved in a contract dispute with the Steelers throughout the offseason. The two sides have been unable to reach an agreement on a long-term extension, and Porter missed training camp while dealing with his back issue and unresolved contract situation.
The Steelers have shown they are willing to make difficult decisions when a contract situation becomes a potential distraction. With Week 1 arriving, Porter's future in Pittsburgh remains uncertain.
Porter, entering the final year of his rookie contract, has reportedly been described by sources as 'disappointed' that a deal wasn't completed and 'frustrated' by how the situation unfolded. ESPN reported that frustration between the two sides has grown to the point where a source questioned whether Porter will ever return to the field for Pittsburgh.
The Steelers reportedly want a premium draft pick in return for Porter, which has likely scared teams off. However, if Porter sits out the season, the Steelers may lower their asking price. Dallas is a potential landing spot for Porter, as he could complement the Cowboys' secondary and mentor first-round pick Caleb Downs.
What's confirmed
- Joey Porter Jr. is unlikely to play Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons due to a back injury, adding another layer to an already complicated situation surrounding the star cornerback.
- Porter's absence is especially notable because he has been involved in a contract dispute with the Steelers throughout the offseason. The two sides have been unable to reach an agreement on a long-term extension, and Porter missed training camp while dealing with his back issue and unresolved contract situation.
- The Steelers have shown they are willing to make difficult decisions when a contract situation becomes a potential distraction. With Week 1 arriving, Porter's future in Pittsburgh remains uncertain.
- Porter, entering the final year of his rookie contract, has reportedly been described by sources as 'disappointed' that a deal wasn't completed and 'frustrated' by how the situation unfolded. ESPN reported that frustration between the two sides has grown to the point where a source questioned whether Porter will ever return to the field for Pittsburgh.
- The Steelers reportedly want a premium draft pick in return for Porter, which has likely scared teams off. However, if Porter sits out the season, the Steelers may lower their asking price. Dallas is a potential landing spot for Porter, as he could complement the Cowboys' secondary and mentor first-round pick Caleb Downs.
What's still developing
- Regardless, it's clear that Porter will not get a new deal in Pittsburgh this year as the Steelers have a long-standing tradition of not negotiating contracts once the regular season starts.
- No serious trade talks have developed despite the Steelers reportedly listening to offers.
- Here's a rundown of some of Porter's possible landing spots if he is traded this season.
- Dallas makes sense on several fronts, starting with the fact that Porter would complement what the Cowboys already have in the secondary.
- The Cowboys, who have been in spending mode since trading Micah Parsons last summer, have a considerable amount of cap space and could make a move to acquire Porter if they were inclined to do so.
- ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler previously reported that Porter is open to a trade and the Steelers are willing to deal him, though Pittsburgh can still decide to keep the 26-year-old.
- He also reported that Porter could potentially command at least a second-round pick, with a first-rounder possibly entering the discussion depending on the market.
- Steelers coach Mike McCarthy said Thursday that Porter completed his scheduled work Wednesday, but the cornerback was again limited Thursday, with a back injury added to his practice designation after conditioning had been listed the previous day.