The Pittsburgh Steelers’ ongoing saga with Joey Porter Jr. doesn’t appear to be ending anytime soon.
The team and their star cornerback don’t appear to be anywhere near agreeing on a long-term extension, which has led to the Penn State product sitting out all of training camp and preseason. Now, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler is reporting that Porter could request a trade from the team, as well as sit out games, should that be the route he decides to go.
“Sources say the Steelers’ lack of a formal
offer for weeks sent the clear message to Porter that they would like him to play out the final year of his rookie contract, which prompted him to consider the possibility of a trade or sitting out for an extended period,” Fowler writes. “The 26-year-old stayed away from the practice field for weeks but returned Tuesday. Perhaps his participation ignites talks, but he’s leaving that up to his agents.”
Porter himself hinted at the possibility of sitting out games when speaking to the media on Tuesday.
”I have to talk to the guys upstairs, my agents about that one,” Porter said when asked if he would play Week 1.
The Steelers don’t negotiate contracts once the season begins, something that Omar Khan confirmed won’t change, meaning they have a hard deadline to get something done with Porter. The more this drags out, though, the more speculation will come on a potential parting of ways.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
- Broderick Jones explains what went wrong with Steelers
- Mike McCarthy explains why Steelers released Elandon Roberts
- Three Rivers Report: Potential changes to the safety position?
- Steelers put hard deadline on Joey Porter Jr contract negotiations
- Get the best of Behind the Steel Curtain on the new SB Nation app
