The Pittsburgh Steelers have a priority drawback on their arms with Joey Porter Jr. The younger cornerback stays away from the staff as Pittsburgh prepares for Sunday’s matchup with the New England Patriots, leaving the protection with out considered one of its common starters.
The larger concern is that there isn’t any readability on the continuing contract standoff. Porter’s return stays doable, however so does a commerce, giving the Steelers an ungainly determination to make whereas the season is already underway.
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Joey Porter Jr. contract state of affairs leaves Steelers with out clear reply
NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24). Credit score: Barry Reeger-Imagn Photos.
The newest replace from Tom Pelissero on Saturday shed extra mild on the place issues stand between Porter and the Steelers.
Pelissero reported: “There are not any indicators the Steelers intend to renew contract negotiations in-season with CB Joey Porter Jr. However all different choices are on the desk, together with Porter taking part in subsequent week towards Cincinnati — or a commerce.”
That places the Steelers in a tough place. Porter stays underneath contract, however the unresolved state of affairs has saved him from contributing whereas Pittsburgh will get its season underway.
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Porter began 14 video games for the Steelers final season and recorded a career-high 14 passes defensed. Shedding that have from the secondary is very consequential for the Steelers, who’re making an attempt to construct on their 20-13 Week 1 win over the Atlanta Falcons.
The longer the state of affairs stays unresolved, the extra sophisticated the Steelers’ roster planning turns into. Pittsburgh may ultimately get Porter again, however it additionally has to think about the opportunity of transferring on from him if the present deadlock continues.
Steelers may lose Joey Porter Jr. whereas making an attempt to construct on Week 1 win
Porter’s continued absence means Pittsburgh can not depend on its most well-liked defensive lineup. That would drive the staff to proceed adjusting its secondary reasonably than constructing continuity with its supposed starters.
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Pelissero’s report additionally introduces the opportunity of a commerce, which might flip the contract dispute right into a personnel difficulty that might have an effect on the Steelers past their Week 2 recreation. A commerce would go away Pittsburgh needing to account for the lack of a younger cornerback who has already established himself as a daily starter.
The Steelers put together for the Patriots whereas managing a state of affairs that might have an effect on each their present defensive depth and their longer-term plans for the secondary.
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