# Joey Porter Jr. illness linked to contract

> Porter's sudden illness may be a tactic to pressure Cowboys into long-term deal.
- Title: Joey Porter Jr. illness linked to contract · NBC Sports
- Summary: Porter's sudden illness may be a tactic to pressure Cowboys into long-term deal. Joey Porter Jr. claims illness to avoid playing for Cowboys after Steelers…
- Keywords: joey porter jr, seattle seahawks, cowboys, nfl, franchise tag, contract negotiation, sports, Joey, Porter, illness, linked, contract
- Source: NBC Sports — https://nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/joey-porter-jr-s-illness-invites-speculation-that-it-was-contract-related-even-if-it-wasnt
- Published: 2026-10-09T23:59:40.753+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: joey porter jr, seattle seahawks, cowboys, nfl, franchise tag, contract negotiation, sports
## Porter misses game due to illness
Joey Porter Jr. missed last night's Buccaneers-Cowboys game due to sudden illness.
## Back injury led to trade
Porter declined to play for Steelers after back injury until traded to Cowboys.
## Sherman suggests contract health
Richard Sherman said a new contract might have made Porter healthier for the game.

> I think maybe if they would have gave him a new contract, maybe he would have been a little healthier today
## Porter's playing options
Porter aims to get long-term deal, franchise tag, or open market ticket.
## Cowboys keep options open
Cowboys may tag Porter if long-term deal isn't negotiated.
## George Pickens example
Cowboys gave Pickens franchise tag for $27.298 million in 2026.
## Porter's potential ruse
Porter's illness could be a tactic to pressure Cowboys into contract.
## Key takeaway

Joey Porter Jr. claims illness to avoid playing for Cowboys after Steelers trade, seeking contract extension.