Utica Steeler Nation

09/09/2026

09/09/2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Joey Porter Jr. are officially at the negotiating table.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports that Pittsburgh has made a contract extension offer to its star cornerback but the two sides are not close to a deal.

“It is not good enough for this one to be deemed close, but the Steelers are showing a willingness to engage.”

With Devon Witherspoon and Christian Gonzalez already landing major extensions, Porter is one of the biggest cornerback deals still waiting to be resolved.

But there’s a deadline.

The Steelers reportedly won’t negotiate into the season past Week 1, giving both sides only a few days to bridge the gap before talks are put on hold until the end of the season.

The clock is ticking in Pittsburgh. Will Joey Porter Jr. get his deal?

09/08/2026

09/08/2026

The Steelers now officially know which quarterback they'll be facing in Week 1: Tua Tagovailoa.

The Falcons have named Tua their starting quarterback for next Sunday's regular-season opener in Pittsburgh, choosing the veteran over Michael Penix Jr., per Adam Schefter.

Penix tore his ACL last November and wasn't cleared for 11-on-11 work until August 22, leaving him with limited time to get ready for the start of the season.

Atlanta still expects Penix's opportunity to come at some point this year, but the Falcons aren't going to rush him back into the starting role.

Instead, Tua will walk into Pittsburgh and face the Steelers defense in his first start as a Falcon.

That gives Pittsburgh a much different Week 1 challenge than facing the younger Penix, with Tua bringing years of starting experience from his time in Miami.

The decision is made.

Steelers vs. Tua in Week 1.

(Via Adam Schefter/ESPN)