Jalen Ramsey is not staying quiet about his teammate’s situation. The veteran cornerback made it clear he wants the Pittsburgh Steelers to get a deal done with Joey Porter Jr. This is not a mild suggestion. It is open support from a key player in the secondary.
The Whole Secondary Needs Paying Up
Porter Jr. is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Head coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged Monday that the team and the player are at an “impasse.” He noted that separating business from football is not always easy. Ramsey sees no reason for more delay.
Ramsey told reporters, “We need the whole secondary out there. They got to pay Joey Porter.” He added that he is “overly in Joey’s corner” and that Porter needs to be compensated for being a valuable part of the secondary, the defense, and the team. The message is straightforward: the Steelers have a talented young corner and should lock him up.
A First-Year Staff Struggle
McCarthy is in his first season as head coach in Pittsburgh. He has said he would love the chance to coach Porter and that the defensive staff feels the same. At the same time, the organization has its own position on the contract. That has created a stalemate. Porter remains on the PUP list and has not practiced.
Ramsey is using his platform to push for a resolution. He has already been paid and is now advocating for a teammate he values.
The Clock Is Ticking Fast
Time is short. The regular season starts in less than three weeks, and the Steelers generally do not negotiate new deals once the season begins. That puts pressure on both sides to find common ground soon. Late extensions have happened before in Pittsburgh, but waiting is a risk.
Ramsey has made his position public. He wants the Steelers to act and get Porter signed.
