The Pittsburgh Steelers could be facing a stunning decision involving one of their most important defensive players. Joey Porter Jr. has become a potential trade candidate as his contract dispute with the team continues, and NFL insiders now report that Pittsburgh is willing to listen to offers for the Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback.
Steelers and Porter remain far apart
Porter is entering the final year of his rookie contract and has been pushing for a long-term extension. The problem is that the cornerback market has exploded, with multiple players recently landing contracts worth more than $30 million annually.
Pittsburgh apparently isn’t willing to meet the price Porter and his representatives are seeking. The Steelers have also made it clear that they do not negotiate contract extensions once the regular season begins, meaning the window to get a deal done has essentially closed.
That has created an uncomfortable situation for both sides.
Porter missed training camp while dealing with a back injury and was still working his way back into football shape. He was officially ruled out for Sunday’s season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, adding another layer to an already complicated situation.
Could the Steelers actually trade their star corner?
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Pittsburgh is open to listening to trade offers for Porter.
That doesn’t mean a trade is imminent.
The Steelers reportedly want a premium draft pick in return, potentially a first-round selection, and there has not been significant interest at that asking price. No serious trade talks have developed yet.
Still, the fact that Pittsburgh is willing to listen is significant.
The Steelers have some confidence in their cornerback depth, particularly after Asante Samuel Jr. impressed throughout training camp and the preseason. If Samuel can establish himself as a legitimate starter, Pittsburgh may feel more comfortable moving Porter rather than paying him at the top of the cornerback market.
Porter remains an extremely valuable player, so the Steelers aren’t simply going to give him away.
But with the contract dispute unresolved and Porter now officially a potential trade candidate, one of Pittsburgh’s biggest roster decisions could become one of the NFL’s biggest stories before the trade deadline.
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