The Pittsburgh Steelers made headlines by upgrading cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the active 53-man roster off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. While surface-level observers might interpret the move as a sign that a contract extension is imminent, legendary Steelers pass rusher James Harrison sees a masterclass in financial leverage.
On the “Deebo & Joe” podcast, Harrison broke down how Porter’s return to the roster is a strategic maneuver designed to protect his wallet while maintaining maximum pressure on the front office. By reporting to practice, Porter bypasses mandatory practice absence fines that reach thousands of dollars per day.
"Very smart to come back because you do have that," Harrison explained regarding the fine structure.
However, Harrison remains convinced that reporting to practice does not mean Porter will step on the field for Week 1 without long-term security.
Instead, Harrison outlined a player's ultimate leverage card: leveraging subjective soft-tissue injuries that medical imaging cannot easily disprove.
"I don't believe personally that he plays if before the start of the season there is not a contract in place," Harrison stated. "If it's me, what I'mma do is be like, 'Yo, I'm feeling better. I'm coming back. I'm practicing.' But before that Saturday of that regular season game, if I ain't got a contract, my back going to lock up that night."
Harrison pointed out that back issues offer unique protection for a holding-in star. "You could look at a back on an X-ray and an MRI and be in excruciating pain and it looks perfectly fine," Harrison noted.
By returning to the 53-man roster, Porter avoids fines, satisfies team rules, and forces Pittsburgh's front office to decide whether to finalize a long-term deal or risk an elusive "back flare-up" right before kickoff.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: James Harrison exposes Joey Porter Jr. roster move as hold-in leverage
