The Detroit Lions have checked in on cornerback Joey Porter Jr., putting themselves among a small group of teams that have reached out to the Steelers, according to ESPN.
Adam Schefter’s report stops short of saying how far those conversations have gone. It does not say the Lions have made an offer, only that Detroit is one of “a handful of teams” that have made inquiries. The report specifically names the Lions and the Dallas Cowboys, while indicating there have been other teams involved as well.
Porter is in the final year of his rookie deal and had been looking for an extension, but he told reporters this week that his absence is tied to a back injury rather than contract frustration.
“It didn’t get done, it didn’t happen,” Porter said this week. “That’s really just old news for me now. It’s mainly just focus on what I’ve got ahead of me and just really getting back to 100%.”
On the field, Porter has already built a strong early résumé. Over his first three seasons, he has 31 passes defended and three interceptions.
He finished the 2025 season with a 70.1 PFF grade and a 76.6 coverage grade. PFF says he allowed a passer rating of 55.9 last year, giving up 32 catches on 67 targets for 325 yards, no touchdowns and one interception.
His career passer rating allowed, per PFF, is 71.5.
There’s also a clear schematic fit in Detroit. Porter is a big, physical corner at 6-foot-2 who thrives in man coverage, though his aggressive style has come with some flags - he has been penalized 38 times in three seasons.
The Lions’ interest comes as they’re thinner at corner after parting ways with Terrion Arnold following his legal issues. D.J.
Reed and Rock Ya-Sin are in place as starters, but Detroit could still use help both at the top of the depth chart and across the room. Earlier this season, Dan Campbell was asked about the team’s cap-space moves and whether they were a sign of a major addition coming.
He didn’t sound like someone expecting a blockbuster.
“I don’t see that,” Campbell said two weeks ago. “I would say this, though: it gives us options, whether that be our own guys or-it just gives us flexibility here before the season starts because there’s a lot that can happen.”
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