The Washington Commanders have already taken a hit with cornerback Trey Amos unavailable for the first four games of 2026 after being placed on injured reserve, and that setback has only sharpened the spotlight on a possible swing-for-the-fences move: Joey Porter Jr.
Porter’s situation in Pittsburgh is drawing attention, and ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler says the tension between the cornerback and the Steelers does not appear to be going away soon. The former Penn State standout wants a new contract, but Pittsburgh has held back, choosing to address others first.
"My sense is the player has been frustrated that, despite his status as a high-level man corner, he hasn't been made a priority. Sources say the Steelers' lack of a formal offer for weeks sent the clear message to Porter that they would like him to play out the final year of his rookie contract, which prompted him to consider the possibility of a trade or sitting out for an extended period."
Porter is back practicing after a holdout, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the issue is settled. If anything, the latest wrinkle could be enough to make Washington at least check on Pittsburgh’s position.
General manager Adam Peters has not made a trade this offseason, instead leaning on free-agent additions, draft picks and undrafted free agents to fill out the roster. But a player with Porter’s profile, combined with the uncertainty created by Amos’ absence, could push the Commanders to think differently.
There’s still a chance the Steelers and Porter work something out. Pittsburgh typically does not handle contract talks during the season, though this could be the exception if the message is simply to have him play out the rest of his rookie deal.
For Washington, the upside is obvious. Porter would be an immediate upgrade on what the Commanders have now, regardless of Amos’ status. He would need a new contract, but the Commanders are believed to have enough cap flexibility in the coming years to make a competitive offer.
That deal would not come cheap. Porter is not expected to reset the market, but the price could land in the $20-25 million range. Still, if Washington wants premium cornerback play, that is the cost that comes with it.
For now, the Commanders seem willing to let the situation breathe. Peters is expected to let things unfold and see where they land. Even so, the secondary is not in a position to settle if a real opportunity presents itself.
Porter fits that category.
The Steelers probably won’t be eager to trade him this close to the season, but if the standoff drags on and contract talks stay stuck, the idea could become more realistic as the trade deadline approaches. Washington would be wise to keep watching.
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Brandon Aiyuk Keeps Sending A Message Washington No Longer Needs
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Washington, though, appears to have moved on long ago. The team never showed much interest in making Aiyuk a target, with the general manager making it clear Stefon Diggs had been the preferred veteran option from the start. Aiyuk has not applied for reinstatement, and with his NFL future still uncertain, the social media hints are starting to feel more like background noise than a path back to D.C. [Read more 🡒]