New Joey Porter Jr. Trade Rumors Emerge as Steelers Don't 'Intend to Break' on Contract Stance

The Pittsburgh Steelers could consider trading cornerback Joey Porter Jr. after failing to extend his contract ahead of the season, according to new reports from NFL insider Tom Pelissero and The Athletic's Jonathan Jones.

The Steelers have an organizational policy of not negotiating contracts during the season, which Pelissero reported there are "no signs the Steelers intend to break."

"Nobody is ruling out a return for the Steelers' game next week against Cincinnati... nobody should rule out the possibility Porter's next game is in another uniform, either," Pelissero reported.

Porter, who was sidelined for the Steelers' season-opening win over the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday with a back injury, is owed $3.9 million in base salary in the final year of his rookie contract.

He returned to practice in a limited capacity Wednesday before leaving Thursday's practice with a back injury.

Jones reported the Steelers "did not come anywhere close to an agreement" when negotiating a potential extension with Porter this offseason.

"Sources have told The Athletic Porter wants a long-term contract, be it with the Steelers or another organization, which would require Pittsburgh to trade their top young corner," Jones reported.

According to Jones, one source told him "a trade is not out of the question on this stuff."

Jones also reported "it has been difficult to find a potential taker for Porter, at that price, this early in the season."

Porter spent almost all of training camp and the preseason on the physically unable to perform list before sitting out Week 1. The Steelers could potentially increase the 26-year-old's trade value if they are able to ramp him back up to game speed ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline.

Selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2023 draft, Porter has played 94 percent of the his team's defensive snaps while not allowing a single touchdown in man-to-man coverage over that span.

Asante Samuel Jr., who played every snap for the Steelers in Week 1, allowed one catch on two targets for 21 yards and three YAC. The Steelers could continue giving him an elevated role in their secondary should the organization not ultimately work out a resolution with Porter.