Steelers coach Mike McCarthy says club is at a contract impasse with cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

Pittsburgh Steelers' coach Mike McCarthy is at an impasse with cornerback Joey Porter Jr., as the two sides negotiate a new contract. Porter is on the physically unable to perform list due to a back issue that surfaced during a mobility test. The 26-year-old is entering his final season with the Steelers, having signed a four-year deal after being drafted first overall by the team in 2023.

Despite his strong performance in his best season, Porter has been hesitant to sign his contract extension, preferring to wait until the eve of training camp. McCarthy emphasized the need to separate business from football, as the entire defensive staff is starting their first season together. Other defensive players, including Jalen Ramsey and Max Iheanachor, have returned to practice, with Ramsey dealing with a knee injury and Iheanachor recovering from an upper body issue.