Mike McCarthy said the Pittsburgh Steelers are at an "impasse" with Joey Porter Jr. as the cornerback remains sidelined on the physically unable to perform list. Could a trade happen soon?
Last week, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that Pittsburgh Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. has been seen as a "potential trade target" for teams as the star enters the final year of his rookie deal and has yet to receive a contract extension from the Steelers.
On Monday (8/24), Mike McCarthy said the Steelers are at an "impasse" with Porter Jr., as the cornerback remains sidelined on the physically unable to perform list.
Porter Jr. was placed on the PUP list after aggravating a back injury during the team's mobility workout on the first day of training camp. He last spoke with the media at minicamp in June and said he believed he had been a "lead" corner in the NFL since arriving in Pittsburgh and should be compensated as such.
If the Steelers don't pay Porter Jr., we could see a trade go down and NFL analyst Alex Kay of Bleacher Report believes the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins and New York Giants should be interested in trading for the 26-year-old.
Trade Ideas
1. Pittsburgh Steelers receive: 2027 second- and sixth-round draft picks, Chicago Bears receive: CB Joey Porter Jr.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers receive: 2027 second- and fifth-round draft picks, Green Bay Packers receive: CB Joey Porter Jr.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers receive: 2027 third- and fourth-round draft picks, Miami Dolphins receive: CB Joey Porter Jr.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers receive: 2027 second- and sixth-round draft picks, New York Giants receive: CB Joey Porter Jr.
In 14 games for the Steelers last season, Porter Jr. had one interception, 14 passes defended, one sack and 35 solo tackles.
Porter Jr. has a base salary of $3,924,000 and a cap hit of $4,922,790 this season. If the Steelers don't sign Porter Jr. to an extension, the talented defender will hit free agency next season.
"I learned this in my early years as a head coach: You have to separate the business and football," McCarthy said. "Sometimes it's easier than others. This is a challenge for both Joey and us because we're first-year staff. We've seen them play, compete against Joey.
"I would love the opportunity to coach Joey Porter. I know our defensive guys would love the opportunity. So we're at an impasse right here, and you've got to respect that. Every one of us has a contract. The organization, they have beliefs and so forth. But yeah, that's just kind of where we are."
The Steelers open the 2026 season against the Atlanta Falcons.
Only time will tell if Porter Jr. plays in that game, holds out or is on another team.
Porter Jr. has three interceptions and 31 passes defended in 47 games with the Steelers.
