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The Pittsburgh Steelers are holding firm on their longstanding policy of not negotiating contracts during the regular season, putting a deadline on extension talks with cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
Steelers general manager Omar Khan said Monday that the organization remains committed to the policy despite the lack of progress toward a new deal for Porter. The two sides have until Pittsburgh’s Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 13 to reach an agreement.
“We won’t talk publicly about the negotiations per se, but Joey knows how we feel about him, and I still hope Joey finishes his career here,” Khan said. “Our policy is going to remain in place.”
Porter is entering the final season of his rookie contract after Pittsburgh selected him with the first pick of the second round in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Porter Activated From PUP List
The Steelers activated Porter from the physically unable to perform list Sunday before the roster-cut deadline, meaning he avoided a mandatory four-game absence.
Porter had been dealing with a back injury that flared up during a mobility workout on the first day of training camp. Although team doctors have medically cleared him to practice, it remains unclear when he will return to the field.
“In the next couple of weeks, not just Joey, but anyone that we feel is healthy and available to us, we expect him to practice,” Khan said. “He got taken off [PUP]. Our medical staff felt like he was good to go.”
The timing is important for Porter, who could significantly increase his value with another strong season before hitting free agency.
Porter Coming Off Best NFL Season
The 26-year-old cornerback is coming off the best season of his three-year career.
Porter allowed a career-low 333 receiving yards when targeted in 2025 and did not surrender a touchdown in coverage. He also recorded 14 pass breakups while reducing his penalty issues.
He has three interceptions over his first three NFL seasons and has established himself as one of Pittsburgh’s most important defensive players.
Porter’s market could also be influenced by recent developments around the league. Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon recently landed a major extension, while the New England Patriots are working toward a new deal with Christian Gonzalez.
Steelers Expect Key Players Back for Week 1
Khan also provided positive updates on several injured players, including wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and DK Metcalf and safety Jaquan Brisker. He expects the trio to be available for the season opener.
Veteran safety DeShon Elliott, however, will miss at least the first four games after the Steelers placed him on injured reserve Sunday.
Elliott is eligible to return later in the season, and Khan stressed that the decision was precautionary rather than the result of a setback from the serious knee injury he suffered last year.
“There’s been nothing to tell us that things have regressed or there was any type of setback,” Khan said.
With the season approaching, the Steelers now have a clear deadline for Porter. If the sides cannot reach an agreement by the Sept. 13 opener, Pittsburgh will not negotiate a new deal with its starting cornerback during the season, leaving the future of one of its key young defenders unresolved.
