Porter Jr. Leaves Week 1 in Limbo as Steelers Contract Talks Stall

Joey Porter Jr. signaled he may sit out the Steelers’ Week 1 game vs. Atlanta if a contract extension isn’t reached, as Pittsburgh and Porter remain at an impasse over his rookie deal. The 26-year-old is in the final year of his contract and stands to earn $3.9 million in 2026; he’s ramping up from a back injury, but said the decision will depend on ongoing talks, with GM Omar Khan saying negotiations won’t occur once the season starts. Porter noted support from teammates who recently signed extensions.