Steelers' Porter, Herbig Skip Minicamp Drills as 2023 Picks Seek New Contracts
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jun 2
Steelers' Porter, Herbig Skip Minicamp Drills as 2023 Picks Seek New Contracts
1 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jun 2
Joey Porter Jr. and Nick Herbig attended Pittsburgh's mandatory minicamp in uniform Tuesday but did not take part in individual drills, signaling a hold-in as both enter the final year of their rookie deals.
Both players framed the absence as business-driven rather than a boycott: Porter said he was happy to be with teammates, while Herbig said "business is business" and he was trying to keep contract matters separate from football.
Coach Mike McCarthy said the team understands the contract realities and has stayed in contact with Herbig, calling this an important period because such deals can change a player's life and family future.
The two are among Steelers 2023 draft picks eligible for extensions, but tight end Darnell Washington and defensive lineman Keeanu Benton still participated fully in Tuesday's individual work.
Porter has been a steady starter and said he deserves elite-corner pay, while Herbig is pushing his case after 7.5 sacks in 2025 despite only 11 starts behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.