PITTSBURGH, Pa. (BLACK AND GOLD NATION) - One offseason ago, Jalen Ramsey was pounding the table for Steelers general manager Omar Khan to extend Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt. This year, he's doing the same for fellow defensive back Joey Porter Jr.
"They got to pay Joey Porter," Ramsey said.
NFL teams view Joey Porter Jr. as “trade target”The Penn State product is currently at a contract "impasse" as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. The cornerback market skyrocketed this offseason with multiple players inking contracts worth more than $30 million annually.
Porter believes he is in the same camp as other elite corners.
“Definitely, I feel like I was an elite guy since I’ve been in this league,” Porter Jr. said during mandatory minicamp. “I’m happy that I’m getting the respect that I feel like I’m owed.”
While looking for a big payday, Porter has barely practiced since Mike McCarthy took over. Porter has been on the physically unable to perform list ever since the team reported to Saint Vincent College for training camp.
"This is a challenge for both Joey and us, because we're a first-year staff," McCarthy said. "We've seen him play. I’ve competed against Joey. I would love the opportunity to coach Joey Porter."
Pittsburgh Steelers' Asante Samuel Jr. (22) Joey Porter Jr. (24) and Jalen Ramsey (5) celebrate after Pittsburgh won an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)Porter's teammates are in his corner throughout this process.
"I'm overly in Joey's corner," Ramsey said. "Joey needs to get compensated for being a valuable part of this secondary and a valuable part of this defense and team."
"When teams and players are in negotiation, I kind of just stay out of it and just look at that player and be like, man, I hope you get exactly what you value for," Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts said.
Roberts just recently re-joined the Steelers but hasn't seen Porter's contract dispute as a distraction for the rest of the team.
"Joey's a good player, Joey's a good person on and off the field," Roberts said. "He's not even a distraction. You know, we do day-to-day business and stuff like that and obviously we know when it's time to ramp it up. Joey will be there."
Max Iheanachor returns to practice from injuryWhile Roberts is certain that Porter Jr. will be ready "when it's time to ramp it up," many Steelers fans will continue to wonder whether that will truly be the case when the Steelers take on the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 13.
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