Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. told reporters he "definitely" sees himself playing at some point, according to multiple outlets covering his comments on the ongoing contract impasse with the Steelers. Per Chris Cwik of Yahoo Sports, Porter Jr. said the lack of an extension is "old news" and he intends to play this season, though he couldn't commit to a specific date for his return.
Porter Jr. is in the final year of his rookie deal heading into 2026 and comes off an outstanding 2025 campaign. However, conflicting reports have emerged about his status. NFL Trade Rumors reported that while the Steelers are planning for him to return, other sources indicated his back has flared up when attempting to go full speed. There had been conflicting reports about whether he would make his season debut in Week 3 against the Bengals.
Meanwhile, some outlets have floated trade speculation, with Yahoo Sports and Behind the Steel Curtain publishing a trade proposal that would send Porter Jr. and DK Metcalf to the Detroit Lions.