Questions about the future of Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. intensified Sunday after ESPN reported that an early-season trade remains a possibility while the former Penn State standout continues to seek a new contract.
Porter is also considered unlikely to play in Pittsburgh's season opener against the Atlanta Falcons because of a back injury, according to reports from ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Steelers listed Porter as questionable entering the game after he dealt with injury and conditioning concerns during the summer.
The contract situation has become one of Pittsburgh's biggest storylines. Reports indicate Porter is open to a change of scenery, although no deal appears imminent. League insiders say the Steelers have listened to inquiries but have not found another team willing to meet their asking price.
According to reports, Pittsburgh would seek a premium draft asset in return for Porter. However, there has been little indication that serious negotiations with other clubs have gained momentum. CBS Sports reported that the Steelers' asking price could be a first-round pick, which has likely scared teams off.
The dispute comes after months of unsuccessful contract discussions. Porter is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and Pittsburgh traditionally avoids negotiating extensions once the regular season begins, Yahoo! Sports reported. That policy has added urgency to talks that ultimately failed to produce a new agreement before Week 1.
Porter has developed into one of the Steelers' most important defensive players since arriving as a high draft pick in 2023. His situation now leaves Pittsburgh balancing immediate roster needs against long-term financial decisions as the season gets underway.
Potential landing spots
CBS Sports has examined several teams that could make sense as trade partners if the Steelers decide to move Porter.
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas makes sense on several fronts, starting with the fact that Porter would complement what the Cowboys already have in the secondary. Porter could serve as a mentor of sorts for first-round pick Caleb Downs. The Cowboys, who have been in spending mode since trading Micah Parsons last summer, have a considerable amount of cap space and could make a move to acquire Porter if they were inclined to do so. Making this even more logical is the fact that Jerry Jones and Steelers GM Omar Khan have a history of working out significant trades.
Speaking of Jones, the Cowboys' 83-year-old owner is desperate to end Dallas' championship drought, which is now at 31 years. That, coupled with the fact that Jones loves making splashy trades, makes this scenario even more logical.
Chicago Bears
Chicago's pass defense has been a work in progress, and adding a cornerback of Porter's caliber could provide an immediate boost. The Bears have an young secondary but lack a true shutdown presence on the outside. Porter, who has outperformed many of his peers since entering the league, could step in as the team's No. 1 corner and help take the Bears' defense to the next level. Chicago's strong finish to the 2025 season and its wide-open division could make the team an attractive destination for a player looking to win now.