The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a crucial juncture with star cornerback Joey Porter Jr., as contract negotiations remain frozen right up against the team's self-imposed deadline.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo on “Good Morning Football,” Porter is "medically cleared but not contractually cleared yet," placing both sides in an awkward pre-season standoff. While the cornerback has officially been removed from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, durability remains a lingering concern.
Garafolo noted that Porter is "still going to deal with that back injury. That’s still a day-to-day thing."
From @gmfb: The #Steelers and CB Joey Porter Jr. are facing a contract deadline as he manages his back injury, #AZCardinals RB Jeremiyah
Love is working his way back, the #Cowboys waive QB Joe Milton and the #Ravens add competition for K Tyler Loop. pic.twitter.com/9QmBZgebxJ
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 1, 2026
That health status appears to be the primary sticking point for Pittsburgh's front office. Steelers general manager Omar Khan has maintained a firm stance throughout the process, wanting full clarity on Porter's health before committing major financial resources.
As Garafolo reported, the Steelers "wanted to see him on the field first," leading to a surprising lack of progress, revealing there has been "not even an offer from the Steelers" to this point.
The timing adds significant pressure to the situation. Khan operates under a long-standing Steelers organizational policy that halts contract extension talks once the regular season kicks off. With the season opener fast approaching, the window to strike a long-term agreement is rapidly closing.
For a player of Porter’s caliber and legacy, the lack of an offer comes as a surprise to many around the league.
"You would think for a cornerback one, who is the son of a franchise icon, that this would have been done by now," Garafolo observed.
If the deadline passes without a signed extension, the team risks facing an expensive offseason.
As Garafolo outlined, "Omar Khan saying that the team will not have negotiations with Porter during the season. So, we are right up against when this deal needs to be done, if it’s going to be done. Otherwise, it will be next stop free agency or potentially the franchise tag."
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: No contract offer yet for Joey Porter Jr. as Steelers deadline looms
