Joey Porter Jr. hasn’t taken the field this season, but the Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback is already generating trade interest from around the league. According to ESPN, the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions are among the teams that have contacted Pittsburgh about a possible deal.
Porter missed the first two weeks of the season and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals as he recovers from a back injury. Even so, the Steelers reportedly want a substantial return if they part with him. Pro Football Talk reported Pittsburgh may be seeking a first-round pick or a combination of a second-round and third-round pick.
Adding another layer to the situation, Porter is seeking a new contract, and the Steelers do not typically negotiate extensions during the season.
Porter, 26, is in his fourth NFL season after Pittsburgh selected him out of Penn State in the second round of the 2023 draft.
Dallas has been rebuilding its defense through trades and this year’s draft, including the selection of safety Caleb Downs, and the Cowboys are reportedly still looking to add a cornerback, particularly with Cobie Durant sidelined by a hamstring injury.
Detroit’s interest stems from a defense that has allowed the second-most passing yards in the league so far this season. The Lions are also dealing with injuries to safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, and cornerback Avonte Maddox is out for the year with a foot injury.
The NFL trade deadline falls on the Tuesday after Week 9, leaving the Steelers time to negotiate a deal. For comparison, the New York Jets received two first-round picks and receiver Adonai Mitchell last year in exchange for star cornerback Sauce Gardner, though the Steelers are expected to get a smaller package for Porter.
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