The Steelers still haven’t settled the Joey Porter Jr. contract extension situation, and that standoff is now fueling a fresh round of trade chatter.
Pittsburgh and Porter Jr. were unable to strike a deal, leaving the two sides at an apparent stalemate. The cornerback was officially inactive in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, with the Steelers saying his absence was tied to a back injury. Not everyone is buying that explanation, though, and the timing has only made the speculation louder.
Porter Jr. had already been mentioned in offseason trade rumors, but nothing ever gained real momentum. Now, with Week 2 approaching, two Super Bowl contenders are being floated as teams to watch if Pittsburgh decides to make him available: the Chiefs and the Lions.
“Rumors: The Chiefs and Lions could be teams to watch as trade destinations for disgruntled Steelers’ cornerback Joey Porter Jr, per Ian Rapoport.”
That’s still all it is for now - rumor. But the idea makes sense on paper for both teams.
Kansas City would be a natural fit if it wanted to sharpen up its defense even further. With the offense largely in place, adding a cornerback of Porter Jr.’s caliber would only strengthen an already dangerous roster.
Detroit’s case looks more immediate. After Terrion Arnold was released in the offseason, the Lions are left with D.J.
Reed and Rock Ya-Sin as their starting outside cornerbacks, with Keith Abney II listed behind them. That kind of depth chart makes a player like Porter Jr. easy to picture in the mix.
If Pittsburgh and Porter Jr. can’t bridge the gap, the door stays open for a move. The Chiefs and Lions are the names being watched right now, but they may not be the only ones ready to jump if the Steelers truly put him on the market.
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