Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. Unlikely to Play in Opener as Contract Standoff Drags On
A back injury keeps the cornerback out against Atlanta, and with no extension before Pittsburgh's regular-season cutoff, a trade remains possible if a team meets the Steelers' asking price.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is unlikely to play in Sunday's opener against Atlanta because of a back injury, ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported, with his contract situation unresolved after talks ran up to the day before the season without a deal.
Where do the contract talks stand?
Porter has been seeking a deal in the range of $30 million a year, in line with recent cornerback extensions for Trent McDuffie, Denzel Ward, Devon Witherspoon and Christian Gonzalez, while Pittsburgh's offer was reported to be well below that. The Steelers don't negotiate during the regular season, and they extended Nick Herbig, Keeanu Benton and Broderick Washington this summer instead. Asked whether the standoff changed his long-term view of Pittsburgh, Porter said, "No, I don't think so."
Could he be traded?
It remains possible. Porter previously requested a trade and is reported to be open to playing elsewhere, and the Steelers are willing to listen but are asking for a premium pick, possibly a first-rounder. No serious talks had materialized at that price. Asante Samuel Jr. is expected to take on a larger role Sunday in Porter's absence.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Sources: Joey Porter Jr. unlikely to play amid uncertain Steelers future
Pittsburgh Steelers betting odds
Super Bowl futures, win totals & where to bet
FanDuel Sportsbook: Get $350 in Bonus Bets When You Wager $5 for 7 Days. New customers only. Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook, verify your account, and make a deposit of at least $5. Place a single online real-money wager of $5+ between 3 AM ET and 11:59 PM ET each day for 7 consecutive days starting from your first eligible wager. Maximum bonus of $50 per day ($350 total). Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire 7 days after receipt. The 7-day period begins once you're opted in to the promotion. Eligibility and state restrictions apply. See the current offer and full terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
21+ and present in select states. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). FanDuel is offering online sports wagering in Kansas under an agreement with Kansas Star Casino, LLC. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, KY, MI, NJ, OH, PA, IL, TN, VA, VT), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-522-4700 (WY), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV).
Fanatics Sportsbook: Up to $1,000 in FanCash Matched Bets. New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV or WY. Apply the promotion in your bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager (min odds -200) daily for 10 consecutive days starting the day of account creation. FanCash rewards equal the qualifying wager amount (max $100 FanCash per day). FanCash issued under this promotion expires at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, including FanCash terms, apply - see the Fanatics Sportsbook app.
21+ and present in a state where Fanatics Sportsbook operates. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Touchdown Week may earn a commission when you sign up through our links, at no cost to you. Please bet responsibly.
