The Pittsburgh Steelers have a concern problem on their hands with Joey Porter Jr. The young cornerback remains away from the team as Pittsburgh prepares for Sunday’s matchup with the New England Patriots, leaving the defense without one of its regular starters.
The bigger concern is that there is no clarity on the ongoing contract standoff. Porter’s return remains possible, but so does a trade, giving the Steelers an awkward decision to make while the season is already underway.
Advertisement
MORE: Joe Burrow’s Week 2 status made clear after latest injury update
Joey Porter Jr. contract situation leaves Steelers without clear answer
NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24). Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images.
The latest update from Tom Pelissero on Saturday shed more light on where things stand between Porter and the Steelers.
Pelissero reported: “There are no signs the Steelers intend to resume contract negotiations in-season with CB Joey Porter Jr. But all other options are on the table, including Porter playing next week against Cincinnati — or a trade.”
That puts the Steelers in a difficult position. Porter remains under contract, but the unresolved situation has kept him from contributing while Pittsburgh gets its season underway.
Advertisement
Porter started 14 games for the Steelers last season and recorded a career-high 14 passes defensed. Losing that experience from the secondary is highly consequential for the Steelers, who are trying to build on their 20-13 Week 1 win over the Atlanta Falcons.
The longer the situation remains unresolved, the more complicated the Steelers’ roster planning becomes. Pittsburgh could eventually get Porter back, but it also has to consider the possibility of moving on from him if the current impasse continues.
Steelers could lose Joey Porter Jr. while trying to build on Week 1 win
Porter’s continued absence means Pittsburgh cannot rely on its preferred defensive lineup. That could force the team to continue adjusting its secondary rather than building continuity with its intended starters.
Advertisement
Pelissero’s report also introduces the possibility of a trade, which would turn the contract dispute into a personnel issue that could affect the Steelers beyond their Week 2 game. A trade would leave Pittsburgh needing to account for the loss of a young cornerback who has already established himself as a regular starter.
The Steelers prepare for the Patriots while managing a situation that could affect both their current defensive depth and their longer-term plans for the secondary.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
