The Pittsburgh Steelers have finally put an offer on the table for Joey Porter Jr., but the latest update doesn’t sound like the finish line is anywhere near in sight.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Pittsburgh made its initial proposal to the cornerback, and the response was simple: it wasn’t enough. The two sides reportedly remain far apart as the opening week of the regular season gets closer, with the Steelers set to face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1.
That part, though, is not exactly a shock.
This hasn’t been some sudden, last-minute conversation sparked by Christian Gonzalez’s deal or by the calendar flipping toward kickoff. Porter and the Steelers have been working through this for a while, and the idea that this was the first time either side had heard a number doesn’t really fit with how negotiations usually go. The back-and-forth has been going on all summer, and both sides already know where the other stands.
What makes this worth noting is the fact that the offer leaked at all. That usually means something is moving, even if it’s only a little.
With Porter back at practice and Gonzalez now signed, the timing suggests the talks are picking up steam, not fading out. It doesn’t mean a deal is imminent, but it does point to real activity.
Negotiations are expected to keep rolling right up to game day, and Porter clearly wants something finished before then. The Steelers likely do too.
At some point, one side has to give. Right now, the way this is framed makes it sound like Porter may be the one who has to lower his number, while Pittsburgh keeps holding firm.
The Steelers could still inch up a bit to get the deal done, but the leverage appears to be sitting with the player’s camp.
This is far from over. The red-hot talks have been simmering for weeks, and the fact that there’s now an official offer - even an underwhelming one - only reinforces that a long-term deal is still in play.
This “first” offer won’t be the last.
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