A trade idea making the rounds would send Joey Porter Jr. out of Pittsburgh and land him in Green Bay, with Alex Kay of Bleacher Report putting together the framework for a deal between the Steelers and Packers.
The timing is no accident. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported last week that Porter Jr. has been viewed as a “potential trade target” for teams, with the corner entering the final year of his rookie contract and still without an extension from the Steelers. Then on Monday (8/24), Mike McCarthy said Pittsburgh and Porter Jr. were at an “impasse” while the defender remains on the physically unable to perform list.
Porter Jr. was put on the PUP list after he aggravated a back injury during the team’s mobility workout on the first day of training camp. He last addressed reporters at minicamp in June, where he said he believed he had been a “lead” corner in the NFL since joining the Steelers and deserved to be paid like one.
Kay’s proposal is straightforward: Green Bay receives CB Joey Porter Jr. As Kay noted, “Green Bay doesn't possess a first-rounder in the 2027 draft due to their blockbuster trade for Micah Parsons last year, but is sitting on a second-round selection and a pair of third-rounders,” adding, “There's enough capital here to get a deal done for Porter, who could be a long-term building block in Titletown by signing a long-term deal shortly after arriving.”
The Packers would be betting on a defender who has already flashed in Pittsburgh. In 14 games last season, Porter Jr. posted one interception, 14 passes defended, one sack and 35 solo tackles. Over 47 games with the Steelers, he has three interceptions and 31 passes defended.
His contract situation is part of what makes the idea feel so live. Porter Jr. is set to make a base salary of $3,924,000 this season, with a cap hit of $4,922,790. If he doesn’t get an extension, he would be headed for free agency next season.
Green Bay’s interest would also fit the bigger picture of where the roster is right now. The Packers went 0-4 to close the 2025 season and then lost to the Chicago Bears in the wild-card round after building a 21-6 lead. They didn’t win again after Parsons tore his ACL in Week 15 against the Denver Broncos.
Parsons’ return date remains unclear after ACL surgery and a meniscus procedure. The surgery happened on December 29, and a nine-month recovery timeline suggests he should not be expected back before September 29.
That’s why the idea of adding Porter Jr. has traction: Green Bay could stay aggressive for a second straight year and give its secondary another difference-maker while Parsons works his way back.
The Packers open the 2026 season against the Minnesota Vikings.
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