The Pittsburgh Steelers have gotten a lot done during the 2026 offseason when it comes to handing out second contracts to players that are eligible for extensions. One decision that is still looming is star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. The defender wants an extension before the season begins, and that means there is a hard deadline on a potential deal as the Steelers do not conduct contractual business during the season. His game status for the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons is currently up in the air.
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Pittsburgh Steelers star defenders Joey Porter Jr. (24) and Jalen Ramsey (5) during 2026 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Porter has gotten better in each year of his career, and although he does not have any major individual accolades under his belt, it is clear he has become a top lockdown cornerback in the NFL. He deserves to be paid near the top of the market, but that market has ballooned after the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots reached deals with Devon Witherspoon and Christian Gonzalez, respectively. Porter spoke to the media on Friday, and he remained undecided about his status for the game on Sunday. This was reported by Ray Fittipaldo.
"Joey Porter Jr. is holding out hope that he gets a new contract," Fittipaldo wrote. "He was noncommittal once again when asked if he will play on Sunday."
Porter did not practice throughout training camp, and he was activated off of the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list the day final rosters were announced. He is reportedly working his way back from a back injury, but that could also have something to do with the business side of things. He was likely going to hold-in throughout training camp anyway so that he wouldn't have to risk his body on the practice field.
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Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. celebrates a big pass breakup during a road game against the Baltimore Ravens in 2025.
Porter's game status for Sunday is going to come down to a lot of factors. One is going to be whether or not he wants to play without a new deal being signed, while the other is going to depend on his recovery from his back injury. If his back is still feeling bad, it means he will be unlikely to take the field. He has been a limited participant in practice throughout the week, which doesn't necessarily mean he is a shoo-in to take the field Sunday. His conditioning is also going to play a role. He didn't practice in Latrobe, and he has been limited over the last two weeks. If he plays at all, it will likely be in some sort of rotation, as his body is not prepared to play an entire game.
Steelers Have Good Depth At Cornerback
Pittsburgh wants Porter on the field for every game this season, but the roster is built to be able to handle his absence. The Steelers have Asante Samuel Jr. waiting in the wings if Porter cannot go, and he was impressive in 2025 and throughout training camp and the 2026 preseason. The Steelers also spent a third-round pick on rookie cornerback Daylen Everette, and he could play a minor role if Porter is not on the field for the game against the Falcons on Sunday.
It doesn't seem likely that a contract will get done between the cornerback and the organization, but the Steelers have gotten deals done at the last minute in the past. The two sides have until the ball gets kicked off on Sunday to get something done. Fans should not worry until the season begins without a new contract. If the season begins without a new contract being signed, then it is time to worry. Porter would be set to be a free agent during the 2027 offseason, but the organization would probably look to franchise tag him. That would only stir up drama and make the tension rise.
Do you think Porter will play in the game against the Falcons without a new contract? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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