Things are heating up between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Joey Porter Jr. The disgruntled cornerback did not receive his desired contract extension and still has yet to suit up for the franchise in 2026. To this point, nothing has transpired when it comes to a potential trade involving the defender. This has left the Steelers in a very odd situation, but recent reports suggest a solution could be on the rise for the organization.
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Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. on the sideline during Pittsburgh's Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in 2026.
On Sunday, Adam Schefter reported via X that a handful of teams, including the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions, have called Pittsburgh to ask about Porter's availability. Both teams are struggling at cornerback and need a number-one guy. With Porter and the Steelers seemingly at the end of the line, this could be the perfect time for General Manager Omar Khan to ship him off and move on.
"A handful of teams, including the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions, have begun making inquiries about the availability of Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., league sources told ESPN," Schefter wrote.
Plenty of teams in the NFL need cornerback help, with the Cowboys and Lions arguably most in need. Injuries for the last few seasons have plagued the Lions, and this year is no different. With their secondary in shambles, they may be willing to give strong compensation for the former Penn State standout. The Cowboys have rebuilt their defense over the last year, and Porter could be the final piece they need to complete the puzzle.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) stands on the field as he prepares to play a snap as the team takes on the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA, during the 2026 NFL regular season.
The Steelers do not negotiate contracts in-season, and it appears as if Porter will not play for the organization without a deal. If Porter plays, it will likely be for another team, unless the Steelers decide to break their rule. Porter is not doing anyone any good by good sitting on the sideline; a trade and some compensation may be the best course of action for Khan and the front office.
Steelers Should Consider Trading Porter
With the Cowboys and Lions interested in Porter, other teams likely to pursue the cornerback might potentially include the Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears. All three of these teams need a cornerback, and Porter would easily fill that need. The Steelers hold all of the leverage in the situation, but he is guaranteed to be a free agent after the 2027 season, and they will lose him for good.
The Steelers originally wanted heavy compensation for Porter, but that seems unlikely now; it may be best to settle for less than come out empty-handed. Khan and the front office have severely mismanaged this situation, and there's no turning back, but this could be a way to fix the problem and save the organization down the road.
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