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After zero playoff wins since the 2016 season, the pressure is on Mike McCarthy to lead a winning effort in his first season as the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach. To do so, he’ll want everyone to pitch in, including a player who’s currently on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, which means making Joey Porter Jr. happy. The three-year starter is headed into the final year of his rookie contract and is unhappy with the team. The Steelers have a policy where they break off contract negotiations once the season kicks off, which means the time is ticking to get a deal done with Porter Jr. Related: 1 Bold Prediction for Each Game on NFL Preseason Week 3 Schedule Jalen Ramsey Urges Pittsburgh Steelers to Pay Joey Porter Jr. Porter arrived as the 32nd overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He’s started 41 of his 47 appearances since joining the Steelers, recording 165 tackles, 31 pass deflections, and three interceptions. Now it’s time to get paid, but for whatever reason, he and the Steelers have been unable to agree on contract value. Recently, head coach Mike McCarthy said the team was at an “impasse” with their young corner. With no new contract in sight, one of Porter’s teammates is now picking up the cause. While speaking with reporters after Monday’s practice, three-time All-Pro cornerback/safety Jalen Ramsey pleaded with Pittsburgh’s front office to pay the man. ‘They got to pay Joey Porter’#Steelers Jalen Ramsey after his 1st practice pic.twitter.com/9E0cJmrld5 — 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) August 24, 2026 Entering his second season as Porter’s teammate, Ramsey understands the importance of the former to the team’s defensive success. Without Porter, the Steelers would suddenly have a glaring weakness at the cornerback position, undoubtedly impacting their ability to compete in the season ahead. As Ramsey said, “They’ve got to pay Joey Porter.” Related: Young Pittsburgh Steelers Starter at ‘Impasse’ with Team