We are just two weeks away from Pittsburgh Steelers training camp in Latrobe. Normally, all of the rookie deals would be signed by now, but that's not the case in 2023. While Broderick Jones' deal a few weeks ago locked up all but one rookie, Joey Porter Jr. remains unsigned. Pushing toward the end of July, with training camp looming, it's a bit unusual.
Steph Chambers / Getty Images
The Steelers' prized first-rounder from the 2023 NFL Draft, Broderick Jones, signed his rookie contract in late June.
It's caused a slight bit of panic from fans, as we are entering unfamiliar territory. The Penn State product figures to be a big part of the team's defense in 2023, as he was apart of the upgrades made at the cornerback position this offseason. The hold up seems to be the controversy regarding how Porter should be paid. It was a unique 2023 NFL Draft, as the Miami Dolphins lost their first-round draft pick due to their owner Stephen Ross violating league policies.
Where does Claypool/Porter trade rank in Steelers history?
As a result of the Miami mishap, there were just 31 picks in the first round. The Steelers acquired the Chicago Bears' second-rounder for Chase Claypool in November, which turned out to be quite good value. The Bears finished with the worst record in the NFL at 3-14, so the Steelers wound up with the first pick in the second round. Due to this, they had the 32nd overall pick.
Now normally, that would be the last pick of the first round. This year, that wasn't the case. It's made the signing process particularly complicated for Porter and the Steelers, as his agent is trying to get him paid like the typical 32nd overall pick in the first round. In his "Daily Shots," Dejan Kovacevic of DK Pittsburgh Sports doesn't think a hold out will happen, or is even likely.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The Steelers got a second-rounder for wideout Chase Claypool, which led to the selection of cornerback Joey Porter Jr. in April.
"There are 31 other teams and the commissioner that would likely come down hard on them and blast them [if the Steelers were to give in]. Neither Joey Jr. or Joey Sr., if he ends up playing any kind of role in this, are gonna allow the young man to miss a single snap of a single drill at St. Vincent College. It will not happen."
Kovacevic raises a good point in the fact that Porter needs every rep he can get at training camp. The Steelers start off in Latrobe just over two weeks from now, so a contract should be reached between now and then. Porter's agent seemingly wants the rookie to be valued by the draft position rather than the draft round. The NFL abides by draft rounds when it comes to allotted money to rookies, so the Steelers could find themselves in trouble if they gave in.
Essentially, it would give players and agents more leverage in the future. In the early portions of OTAs and minicamp, which are largely meaningless, Porter flashed his athleticism. Fellow rookie cornerback, Cory Trice Jr., was also one of the main standouts from the early summer sessions.
Chris Johnson / Purdue Athletics
Steelers rookie seventh-rounder Cory Trice Jr. is a name to watch in Latrobe, as he impressed in the early summer sessions.
The two rookies will be competing for a starting spot in training camp, as veterans Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace likely have two of the top spots locked up. If Porter were to hold out with an unsigned deal, it would only set him back. For his rookie year and overall career trajectory, that wouldn't be smart on his part. As Kovacevic points out, having his father Joey Porter Sr. there will help for some additional guidance throughout this process.
What are your expectations for the rookie cornerback in his first season in Pittsburgh? Do you think he will be in the starting lineup come Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers? What areas of his game are you worried about at the NFL level? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!
#SteelerNation
