New Joey Porter Jr. Trade Rumors Reveal Cowboys, More Super Bowl Hopefuls Eying Steelers CB

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Joey Porter Jr. were unable to come to terms on a new deal this offseason, and now the trade inquiries have reportedly arrived.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday that the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions were among the "handful of teams" that have reached out to Pittsburgh regarding the cornerback's availability. Schefter noted Pittsburgh is "willing to listen" but is seeking "a strong compensation package" in return.

Porter is in the final year of his deal that is paying him $3.9 million in base salary in 2026.

As Schefter highlighted, the Steelers traditionally do not negotiate contracts during an ongoing season. That means the cornerback's future has been a major talking point surrounding the team in the early going of the campaign with no agreement in place.

Trading him would allow the Steelers to get something back in return and put the situation in the rearview mirror.

There is also Porter's health hovering over the situation, as he is yet to play in 2026 while dealing with a back injury.

He told reporters Thursday he is "definitely" sees himself playing at some point this season as he shifts his focus to recovering from the back injury instead of the "old news" of his contract situation:

Porter was listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals after participating in limited practice during the week.

If Pittsburgh was to move the Penn State product, Dallas and Detroit would both be logical trade destinations given their need to bolster the secondary.

The Lions will be without cornerback Avonte Maddox for the rest of the season because of a foot injury. What's more, safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are both on the physically unable to perform list.

As for the Cowboys, cornerback Cobie Durant will not play Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens in a blow to what Schefter called a "thin" cornerback room.