From CBS Sports · · 2m
Steelers face Joey Porter Jr. trade deadline
Pittsburgh must decide whether to trade disgruntled cornerback Joey Porter Jr. before the November 10 deadline.
In brief
Pittsburgh must decide whether to trade disgruntled cornerback Joey Porter Jr. before the November 10 deadline. The Steelers will likely trade Joey Porter Jr. soon if he doesn't play against Cincinnati, with the Lions emerging as the most probable destination. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Porter's absence forces Steelers hand
Joey Porter Jr. has missed three straight games citing a back injury, but the Steelers have cleared him to play. If he sits out against Cincinnati, GM Omar Khan will likely pursue a trade.
Porter rejected $27 million offer
Porter turned down a Steelers contract extension worth slightly over $27 million for 2026. He currently makes $3.9 million and won't accept a new deal mid-season under Pittsburgh's policy.
Lions emerge as top trade partner
Detroit needs cornerback help after allowing 71 points in two games and has salary cap space to extend Porter. The Lions are the focus of three potential trade scenarios.
Mock trade one: second and third picks
Steelers receive Lions 2027 second-round and 2028 third-round picks for Porter. This is the cleanest deal but likely won't happen because Pittsburgh wants at least one first-round pick.
Mock trade two: first-round pick swap
Steelers get Lions 2027 first-round pick and sixth-round pick while sending Porter and a third-round pick. This doubles Pittsburgh's first-round picks to help draft a quarterback.
Mock trade three: receiver swap included
Steelers send Porter, DK Metcalf, and a fourth-round pick for Lions first-round pick and WR Jameson Williams. This unlikely scenario addresses Pittsburgh's struggling offense.
Metcalf's disappointing start
DK Metcalf has underperformed in Pittsburgh and could benefit from a fresh start with the Lions alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown. His contract complications make any deal complex.
Steelers prioritize quarterback future
Pittsburgh is hunting for a top quarterback in next year's draft, which explains why Khan is demanding high draft compensation for Porter. Getting first-round picks is vital to their strategy.
Deadline looms for resolution
The November 10 trade deadline is the unofficial cutoff, but a resolution should come much sooner. The Steelers will move quickly if Porter refuses to play this weekend.
What it means
The Steelers will likely trade Joey Porter Jr. soon if he doesn't play against Cincinnati, with the Lions emerging as the most probable destination.
