The Pittsburgh Steelers have multiple teams monitoring one of their cornerbacks for a potential trade.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is a name multiple teams are monitoring as a potential trade target.
The Steelers selected Porter Jr. in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he is now entering the final year of his rookie contract. While Porter Jr. is a solid player, his role as a starter may not be solidified with Jamel Dean, Asante Samuel Jr., and Jalen Ramsey on the roster.
Although Porter Jr. could be a valuable contributor to Pittsburgh's defense in the 2026 season, it could make sense to move him if they receive a good trade offer.
In the 2023 season, Porter Jr. played well, finishing with 43 total tackles, a tackle for loss, 10 pass deflections, and an interception. In 2024, he recorded 70 total tackles, two tackles for loss, seven pass deflections, and an interception.
Porter Jr. appeared in 14 games in 2025, finishing with 52 total tackles, a sack, 14 pass deflections, and an interception.
If the Steelers trade Porter Jr., it wouldn't be so much about not being a quality player, but about not wanting to invest more in the position after inking Dean to a three-year, $36.7 million deal. Pittsburgh also has Ramsey on a four-year, $84.7 million contract, who has been playing a cornerback-and-safety hybrid.
Pittsburgh may not want to sign Porter Jr. to a long-term deal, which could put a trade on the horizon. However, it would be a risk, as he is a talented player who could help them compete.
The Steelers are looking to contend in the 2026 season after hiring Mike McCarthy as their head coach. McCarthy brings a ton of experience and shows that Pittsburgh wants to remain a consistent playoff team despite Mike Tomlin's departure.
The Steelers have a talented roster with 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning for the final season of his career. Pittsburgh won the AFC North, finishing with a 10-7 record, but they fell to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round.
With the talent the Steelers have acquired this offseason, they have a great shot at winning the AFC North for a second straight season, but they should be wary about trading away a talented piece in Porter Jr. unless they are blown away by the offer.
