Report: Steelers Now Considering Trading Joey Porter Jr

The Pittsburgh Steelers seemed to have a very strong offseason in 2026. Mike McCarthy was hired to be the team's next head coach, several players got extensions, and the front office added several new faces. Unfortunately, one individual has not had a good couple of months. Joey Porter Jr. has been waiting to get paid like three of his 2023 NFL Draft classmates, but it hasn't happened. The team will take on the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, and will refuse to negotiate after kick off commences. This is turning into a relatively ugly situation and no one is quite sure what the ending will look like.

The cornerback has been dealing with a back injury, but many think that would magically be healed if he were to receive a fresh deal. Top players at his position are getting paid well over $30 million per season, so it's possible that he believes he belongs in that category. With that said, the Steelers may not be thinking the same thing.

On Sunday morning, Ian Rapoport reported some shocking news about the situation. Not only is Porter not expected to play on Sunday, but he could be traded because of the tense situation.

"#Steelers star CB Joey Porter Jr is unlikely to play today against the #Falcons, per me and @AdamSchefter, as his back injury and the associated ramp up keep him on the sidelines," Rapoport posted on X. "And a trade is a possibility."

This has gotten way out of hand. It's clear that General Manager Omar Khan and Porter's camp are not seeing eye to eye, which could result in the corner getting shipped off to play elsewhere. This was never viewed as a legitimate possibility at first; however, everything has changed in recent weeks. There could be some serious disagreement between the defender and organization.

All along it appears that Porter has wanted to get out of the Steel City. Rapoport and Adam Schefter jointly reported that these discussions have taken place recently. Something could come together quickly.

"Sources say Porter, who had previously requested a trade from the Steelers , is open to playing elsewhere, and an early-season trade is very possible," Rapoport and Schefter wrote. "The Steelers have been open to listening to offers for Porter, sources say. But there has not been notable interest at Pittsburgh's asking price of a premium draft pick -- possibly in the first round -- and no serious trade talks have developed despite the Steelers' willingness to deal him."

This would put the organization under some fire, specifically because it has not drafted cornerbacks successfully in recent history. Porter was a lockdown guy for the Steelers in 2025, but it appears the two sides are way off. Mike Garafolo also added that Khan and Porter's camp are really nowhere near where they need to be in order to come to an agreement.

It's a pretty sad situation for all involved. The Steelers are risking a relationship with the entire Porter family, even if everyone understands that the NFL is a business That seems to be what Pittsburgh is trying to be cognizant of.

Steelers Would Get Big Return For Porter

It's hard to imagine a world in which Pittsburgh wouldn't receive a first-round pick for Porter, despite the reporting from ESPN. Top cornerbacks don't grow on trees and someone out there will certainly value him as worth $30 million per season or more. 

Now, the Steelers will focus on the Falcons, but something could come together in Week 2. It is now very possible that Porter has played his final snap in the Steel City.

#SteelerNation