Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said Monday that the team and fourth-year cornerback Joey Porter Jr. are at an impasse in negotiations for a new contract. McCarthy made the remarks during his scheduled press conference, confirming that the two sides have been unable to reach an agreement.
Porter Jr., who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, has been a key contributor to the Steelers' defense since being drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The 26-year-old has started 34 games over the past two seasons, recording 3 interceptions and 25 passes defended.
The impasse comes as the Steelers prepare for the upcoming regular season, with their first game scheduled for September 10 against the Baltimore Ravens. McCarthy did not provide specifics on the financial gap between the two sides but emphasized that the team remains open to continuing discussions.
Contract disputes are not uncommon in the NFL, and both parties have expressed a desire to reach a long-term deal. However, if no agreement is reached before the season, Porter Jr. would play under his current rookie deal, which pays him a base salary of $1.3 million for 2026.
