Joey Porter Jr. contract talks hit a wall over $100 million guaranteed money as Cowboys emerge in growing trade rumors
A source close to Porter told Sports Creator & GeoSports founder Frank Michael Smith that Pittsburgh is not willing to offer more than $33 million guaranteed on a four year extension. Guaranteed money is the only issue stopping the Steelers and Porter from reaching an agreement, according to Smith’s September 15 post on X. In a 4 year deal, the Steelers won’t commit to anything over $33 million. Each received ~$100m,” Smith wrote. The Steelers drafted Porter with the 32nd pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He signed a four year rookie contract worth $9.62 million, according to Spotrac, and is now entering the final season of that deal. The Steelers later won the game 20-13, but Porter’s absence naturally raised more questions about what comes next.
“A source close to Joey Porter Jr. just told me the only piece blocking a deal is guaranteed money. Joey Porter Jr.’s contract situation with the Pittsburgh Steelers has reached a difficult point, with guaranteed money reportedly standing between the cornerback and a new deal. Porter, meanwhile, is looking for a deal closer to what Christian Gonzalez and Devon Witherspoon received. Porter requested guaranteed cash closer to Gonzalez & Witherspoon.
However, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported on X that Porter was healthy enough to play but was still inactive. The problem is that Pittsburgh has a clear rule when it comes to contract talks. The team does not want to negotiate extensions once the regular season begins. He is has been deemed healthy enough to play, per sources,” Dulac wrote.
That means the sides now have to wait if they cannot close the gap before the season. The cornerback had been dealing with a back injury during training camp and was listed as questionable before the game. “Joey Porter Jr is inactive for today’s game vs Falcons.