Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin stated Monday that the team and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. are currently at an impasse in negotiations for a new contract. Porter, entering the final season of his rookie deal, has not participated in training camp practices.
Tomlin likened the situation to managing the business side of football, noting that "sometimes it's easier than others." Porter was placed on the physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp with a back issue that reportedly flared up during a mobility test.
Porter is in the fourth year of the contract he signed after being selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. While other members of that draft class, such as outside linebacker Nick Herbig and tight end Darnell Washington, have agreed to new deals, Porter's contract status remains uncertain.
He is coming off a strong rookie season and has expressed confidence in his standing among the league's top cornerbacks, expecting his next contract to reflect that. Recent contract agreements for cornerbacks like Devon Witherspoon and Christian Gonzalez in the NFL have set a high market standard.
Though Porter has accumulated three interceptions over his career, his contract discussions are ongoing. He previously waited until the eve of training camp in 2023 to sign his initial rookie deal, suggesting a willingness to take his time in negotiations.
During minicamp in June, Porter participated in individual drills but avoided full team participation, a strategy often employed by players seeking new contracts. Tomlin acknowledged the challenge, particularly with a new defensive coaching staff in its first season.
"Every one of us has a contract," Tomlin said. "The organization, they have beliefs and so forth. So that's where we are."
In other team news, veteran defensive back Jalen Ramsey and rookie offensive tackle Max Iheanachor returned to practice on Monday. Ramsey had been on the PUP list due to a knee injury sustained in June. Iheanachor, the team's first-round draft pick, had not practiced since early August after an upper body injury.
Tomlin indicated that Iheanachor could see playing time in the team's final preseason game on Thursday, depending on his performance in the remaining padded practices this week. The Steelers' season opener is scheduled for September 13 against Atlanta.