The contract talks for Joey Porter Jr. have hit a hard wall, but Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy isn’t panicking. Following a breakout campaign, the 26-year-old cornerback begins the fourth season of his rookie contract. Yet, the negotiations are currently at an “impasse” according to Behind the Steel Curtain. This delay feels like a distraction, but the coach sees it as standard business.
McCarthy Knows the Game
McCarthy has been here before and he knows exactly how to handle the pressure. He told reporters that separating the money from the field is a key lesson from his early years. “I learned this in my early years as a head coach; you have to separate the business from the football,” McCarthy said. He admitted that the process gets messy sometimes. “Sometimes it’s easier than others.” That calm attitude is the only reason fans should stay relaxed right now.
The Steelers have already signed two other picks from the same draft class. Nick Herbig and Darnell Washington both locked up deals, which shows the front office is moving. But Porter Jr. is different. He is the star on the other side of the ball and his market value is sky high. A trade is off the table because the market makes it impossible. The only real outcome left is an extension, and both sides want that done.
Browns Make Their Choice
While Pittsburgh waits on a contract, their rival across the river is making a bold call. The Cleveland Browns have officially named Deshaun Watson the starter for the upcoming season. This decision comes as the preseason finale approaches for both teams. The first two games will be on the road, which adds more stress to the start. Watson has struggled in the past, but the team is sticking with him. This move shifts the focus entirely to the quarterback position in Cleveland.
It is a risky play for the Browns. They have a new head coach and a new system, yet they are going all in on Watson. The Steelers do not have this problem. Their quarterback room is stable, and the focus remains on the defense. Porter Jr. will play in the season opener regardless of the contract status. The only worry for fans is the timing of the deal and the player’s physical shape.
The 53-man roster deadline is fast approaching and the clock is ticking. The Steelers need to finalize their team before the season starts. There will be a flurry of roster moves soon to get the numbers right. Former Pitt safety Brandon Hill signed a one-year deal to add depth. Meanwhile, former star cornerback Asante Samuel Sr. has been critical of Porter Jr.’s holdout stance. Allen Robinson also called it a career recently, clearing up the receiver room.
The fan base should not worry about the delay. The deal will get done, and Porter Jr. will be ready to play. The impasse is just noise in the big picture. The Browns are betting on Watson to fix their issues, but the Steelers are betting on their process.
