Steelers news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. said he is not optimistic about a contract extension.
Pittsburgh does not negotiate in-season, so a trade before the deadline is the crux.
Background
Pittsburgh opens the season under Mike McCarthy, its first new head coach since 2007, with Aaron Rodgers back for a 22nd NFL season after returning this spring. The Steelers have not won a playoff game since 2017, losing five straight wild-card games. Porter, a starting cornerback, is entering a contract situation the team historically handles by refusing to negotiate during the season.
How it unfolded
- Sep 6, 2026Steelers LB Alex Highsmith said there is 'added motivation' to send Aaron Rodgers out 'the right way'; Rodgers returned this spring for a 22nd season under Mike McCarthy.
- Sep 8, 2026Steelers.com published its 'Asked and Answered' column; Behind the Steel Curtain suggested Pittsburgh could add recently released receiver Darius Slayton.
- Sep 9, 2026Aaron Rodgers said he came back because he views the Steelers as Super Bowl contenders.
- Sep 11, 2026Joey Porter Jr. told media he was not optimistic about an extension, saying 'the clock's ticking'; the Steelers do not negotiate contracts during the season.
- Sep 11, 2026NFL reporter Jourdan Rodrigue said the Steelers should trade Porter to the Dallas Cowboys if they decide against a massive extension.
- Sep 12, 2026Pittsburgh elevated DB Doneiko Slaughter from the practice squad for Sunday's game against Atlanta at Acrisure Stadium; Falcons QB Cooper Rush will start despite back spasms.
Who’s saying what
- Party
- Joey Porter Jr. said he is 'not really' optimistic about an extension and that 'the clock's ticking,' adding the team will be prepared regardless.
- Analysts
- NFL reporter Jourdan Rodrigue said the Steelers should trade Porter to the Dallas Cowboys if they decide against a massive extension.
- Party
- Aaron Rodgers said he returned because the Steelers are Super Bowl contenders, citing veteran leadership and a deep AFC.
Still unverified
Porter has been linked to an NFC East team amid trade speculation, per NFL reporter Jourdan Rodrigue; the two sides are reportedly far apart on a deal days before the Week 1 matchup against Atlanta. Falcons QB Cooper Rush experienced back spasms on Saturday but will start Sunday.