Mike McCarthy Reveals the Latest on Steelers Contract Standoff with Joey Porter Jr.

Steelers News Mike McCarthy Reveals the Latest on Steelers Contract Standoff with Joey Porter Jr. Chris Ward Follow | Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. throws a football while not dressed for practice on July 29, 2026. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy gave a brief update on Joey Porter Jr.'s contract situation during his Monday press conference. Porter and the Steelers are in the midst of a contract standoff. 'There's definitely business conversations going on,' McCarthy said. When asked if a situation rises that Porter does not play, McCarthy said, 'We'll see what happens.' Porter has participated in practice. The fact that he's back practicing is an encouraging sign, but it's still 50/50 if he'll play on Sunday if a new contract isn't signed. Last week, Porter was noncommittal on if he'll play in Week 1 against the Falcons. 'I don't know,' Porter said when asked if he would play without a contract extension. 'I got to talk to the guys upstairs and my agents about that.' Porter is entering the final year of his rookie deal and practiced for the first time on Tuesday since being activated off the physically unable to perform list. There's no doubt Porter is deserving of a big-time payday. He is coming off the best season of his young, NFL career, recording a career-high 14 passes defensed to go along with 52 tackles, one sack and one interception. Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.