Steelers have a 'complicated' problem they need to address

The word "complicated" isn't one you want to hear when it comes to NFL projections. Ideally, your favorite team won't have a complicated situation. But, the Pittsburgh Steelers have quite the complex problem on their hands as the upcoming season unfolds.

This issue has nothing to do with their quarterback situation. Of course, the Steelers have Aaron Rodgers locked in for the next year, so they're good for the next season. But, after that, they'll have to figure out their signal-caller situation. That's not now, though.

On Wednesday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN unleashed a feature with a roster of NFL players to keep an eye on next offseason if they don't sign extensions. These are guys to watch closely throughout the season .

Joey Porter Jr.'s contract situation with the Pittsburgh Steelers is complicated

With the Steelers, he says they are dealing with a "complicated" contract situation with cornerback Joey Porter Jr. He's not sugarcoating it, either.

"This is probably the most complicated of them all. Momentum for a deal just hasn't been there," he says in the piece. "My sense is the player has been frustrated that, despite his status as a high-level man corner, he hasn't been made a priority."

He adds that the "2023 draft picks getting paid by Pittsburgh, linebacker Nick Herbig and defensive tackle Keeanu Benton, who received four-year extensions this summer, play smaller roles."

Fowler adds that the Steelers didn't give him a formal offer, which may have sent a message to Porter that they want him to play out the last year of his rookie deal, "which prompted him to consider the possibility of a trade or sitting out for an extended period." He skipped the practice field but was back this week.

Fowler also says that the coaching staff is "all-in on his ability as a high-level cover man," so that's not the issue. Time will tell how this shakes out, but it's definitely murky, at best.