Joey Porter Jr., Steelers Contract Talks Updated in New NFL Rumors Amid Trade Buzz

The Pittsburgh Steelers and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. haven't made much progress toward a new contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Schefter said Monday on The Pat McAfee Show there's mutual interest in an extension, and a resolution could arrive before the opener. However, the situation hasn't evolved much:

Porter is in the final year of his rookie contract before he's eligible for free agency in 2027. ESPN's Brooke Pryor reported on Aug. 24 the Steelers don't traditionally negotiate new contracts once the season kicks off, and that's notable with Porter because "there hasn't been meaningful progress on extension talks."

Colleague Jeremy Fowler followed up last Friday to say the 26-year-old "has not been happy with the way things have gone because they've paid other players."

The situation was complicated further by the fact Porter was sidelined during training camp because of a back issue. The Steelers activated him from the physically unable to perform list Sunday.

The 2023 second-round pick has performed well since entering the league. In 47 career appearances, he has three interceptions and 31 pass breakups. He has also held opposing quarterbacks to a 54 percent completion rate and a 71.2 passer rating, per Pro Football Ref e rence .

One problem for Porter is that he hasn't cemented himself as an elite cornerback. He has yet to earn a Pro Bowl or All-Pro nod. The B/R NFL Scouting Department ranked him as the No. 27 corner heading into the new season.

Spotrac puts Porter's market value at $23.4 million annually, so he's in line for a sizable raise. He'd have a hard time arguing he warrants approaching $30 million or more, though, which is where the upper end of the market resides.

Porter doesn't have a ton of leverage, either, when a holdout that stretches into Week 1 is out of the question.

Maybe he and the Steelers can make a breakthrough between now and Sept. 13. Otherwise, Porter will have settle for playing out his rookie deal and positioning himself for a big payout next spring.