Porter Jr. Unlikely for Steelers Opener Amid Trade Talks — SkimNews
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- Joey Porter Jr. is unlikely to play Sunday's opener against the Atlanta Falcons because of a back injury, with a trade still in play after a contract standoff that dragged through the entire offseason.
- The Steelers and Porter negotiated up until the day before the season but remain far apart on a deal; Pittsburgh does not negotiate during the season, per the report.
- Porter had previously requested a trade and is open to playing elsewhere, and the Steelers are listening to offers but want a premium draft pick — possibly a first-rounder — with no serious talks having developed yet.
- Four cornerbacks — Trent McDuffie (Rams), Denzel Ward (Browns), Devon Witherspoon (Seahawks), and Christian Gonzalez (Patriots) — signed extensions worth more than $30 million per year this offseason, well above anything Pittsburgh has offered Porter.
- Steelers coach Mike McCarthy said Porter is "working through the ramp-up stage" after not practicing all summer and spending training camp on the PUP list.
- Asante Samuel Jr. would take on an elevated role if Porter sits out; Samuel joined Pittsburgh midway through last season after being cleared from spinal fusion surgery for a chronic neck issue.
- Doneiko Slaughter was elevated from the Steelers' practice squad to the game day roster on Saturday.
Why it matters: Porter is one of the NFL's top young cornerbacks, yet Pittsburgh hasn't come close to the $30 million-per-year mark that four peers just hit, leaving the franchise vulnerable to losing a premier defender below market value. With the team refusing to negotiate during the season, the impasse could drag through the entire 2025 campaign and force a lowball trade or a franchise-tag showdown in 2026.
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