# Porter's Steelers Contract Stalemate

> Joey Porter Jr. faces trade or new deal after back injury and contract dispute with Steelers.
- Title: Porter's Steelers Contract Stalemate · CBS Sports | Shortify
- Summary: Joey Porter Jr. faces trade or new deal after back injury and contract dispute with Steelers. Joey Porter Jr. may be traded or sign new deal with Steelers…
- Keywords: joey porter jr, pittsburgh steelers, contract dispute, back injury, trade deadline, nfl, athletes first, david mulugheta, tj watt, dk metcalf, jalen ramsey, micah parsons
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nfl/news/agents-take-joey-porter-jr-s-contract-stalemate-with-steelers
- Published: 2026-09-30T17:27:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: joey porter jr, pittsburgh steelers, contract dispute, back injury, trade deadline, nfl, athletes first, david mulugheta, tj watt, dk metcalf, jalen ramsey, micah parsons
## Porter listed as full participant
Joey Porter Jr. was listed as a full participant in Pittsburgh's Monday and Tuesday practices for the first time this season ahead of Thursday's game with the Cleveland Browns.
## Porter's back injury and contract dispute
Porter hasn't played this season due to a back ailment while involved in a contract dispute with the Steelers.
## Contract stalemate details
Porter's contract expires this year with a $3.924 million salary cap number and a rejected Steelers offer averaging slightly more than $27 million per year.
## Steelers' policy on guarantees
The Steelers have fully guaranteed salary for T.J. Watt's second and third years but not for other players in their 2023 draft class.
## Porter's performance stats
Porter hasn't given up a touchdown in 1,467 snaps since Week 8 of the 2023 season with a 56.2 passer rating.
## Trade options for Porter
Porter's future with Steelers is uncertain as he may be traded or sign new deal before the Nov. 10 trade deadline.
## Previous holdout examples
Jalen Ramsey and Micah Parsons used holdouts with back injuries to get traded before the trade deadline.
## Porter's contract year status
Porter is in his contract year with 2026 as his contract year, unlike players who had contracts in 2022.
## Medical concerns
Porter is reportedly considering a second medical opinion on his back injury.
## Trade deadline implications
Steelers GM Omar Khan may demand a first-round pick or equivalent for Porter before the Nov. 10 trade deadline.
## Player examples
Players like Keenan McCardell and Jalen Ramsey used holdouts to get traded before the trade deadline.
## Contract year challenges
Players in contract years face higher injury risks and may need surgery to avoid contract issues.
## Porter's situation
Porter's back injury and contract dispute with Steelers may lead to trade or new deal before the Nov. 10 trade deadline.
## Key takeaway

Joey Porter Jr. may be traded or sign new deal with Steelers amid back injury and contract dispute.