Fowler: Steelers' Joey Porter Jr's Massive Hold-In Led To Him Strongly Considering "The Possibility Of A Trade"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are desperately hoping that star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. will play out his rookie contract without an extension in hand. He has responded by not committing to playing in Week 1 and possibly creating another Le'Veon Bell situation. He did return to practice on Tuesday after the preseason concluded, so that is a positive sign in the right direction, but it's still clear that he is not the least bit happy with the organization. Hopefully, everything can be reconciled so the superstar can get back to shutting down top receivers. 

That situation caused Porter to review all options. In a recent article on ESPN, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler revealed what was going on behind the scenes. 

"Sources say the Steelers' lack of a formal offer for weeks sent the clear message to Porter that they would like him to play out the final year of his rookie contract, which prompted him to consider the possibility of a trade or sitting out for an extended period," Fowler said. "The 26-year-old stayed away from the practice field for weeks, but returned Tuesday. Perhaps his participation ignites talks, but he's leaving that up to his agents."

Fowler never confirmed whether Porter has gone through with the trade request, but when a player of his caliber gets disrespected by the team, it makes sense to consider playing for someone else. For now, he is focusing on conditioning and letting his agents handle all of his decision-making, but if these antics keep up, he may be wearing another uniform, at least in 2027.

Fowler also mentioned that the franchise tag for cornerbacks will be at $23 million in 2027, and that is way below what Porter reportedly wants. Even if he plays out the final year of his rookie contract, getting slapped with the tag could make him publicly demand a trade. If he's considering it now, more disrespect could further these intentions after the season ends. 

Apparently, it's just General Manager Omar Khan and the staff that is refusing to work with Porter. Fowler also spoke about how the coaching staff has a high level of respect for the 26-year-old.

"I'm told the new coaching staff is not a deterrent here," Fowler said. "They are all-in on his ability as a high-level cover man."

The coaches want Porter to be a long-term piece of the puzzle and get his bag. His teammates want to see him with a new extension. The fans have been begging for him to get paid since the offseason began. Pretty much everyone wants to see the shutdown cornerback get what he deserves except for the front office. This impasse has gotten beyond ridiculous, and that's why he has had to consider a trade.

Porter would make Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham's job much easier. When a man has the ability to take away a team's top receiver the way that the former second-round pick can, the defensive coordinator can sleep better at night and put his focus on other parts of the team. Graham loves his blitzes, and it's much easier to run them with the hot route to the WR1 being cut off.

Steelers Are Unable To Replace Porter If He Leaves

Khan can point to the lack of awards and accolades for Porter all he wants, but at the end of the day, the numbers don't lie. Allowing under 24 yards per game as a cornerback is elite play. It would be very unreasonable to expect anyone to come in and replicate his production on that front while playing every snap. That's why the Steelers need to get over themselves and pay him what he deserves.

What do you think about Porter considering a trade with how Khan and the Steelers have disrespected him? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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