Trade rumors around Pittsburgh Steelers corner Joey Porter Jr. are absolutely blazing right now, and the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions are front and center in the mix. But here’s the thing: both those teams are hitting brick walls trying to actually pull off a deal for Porter, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano. The common bond between the Lions, Cowboys, and literally any team eyeing the veteran cornerback? The Steelers’ asking price and the cold, hard fact that Porter Jr. wants a brand-new contract.
The Sticker Shock: A First-Round Pick AND $30 Million? Seriously?
Look, Graziano flat-out says it: “Teams have been calling but, as of yet, aren’t willing to offer enough in return to convince the Steelers to part with Porter AND also sign him to the contract he wants.” You can’t just take the player, you gotta pay the man! And we’re talking serious cash here. The belief is Pittsburgh wants at least a first-round pick, a price tag ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport threw out weeks ago. They reported the Steelers are open to listening, but there’s been zero “notable interest” at that premium draft pick price, and definitely “no serious trade talks” despite Pittsburgh’s willingness to deal.
On the Dallas front, Fowler confirms the Cowboys have inquired, but guess what? “There was no movement as of Wednesday morning, and Dallas doesn’t seem eager to relinquish major capital to secure Porter just yet.” Can you blame ’em? You’re giving up a top pick, then immediately staring down a new contract that could cost upwards of $30 million per year. That’s a huge commitment, especially when the acquiring team also has to cough up a boatload of draft capital.
Detroit’s Dilemma and the “Elite” Money Problem
The situation gets even spicier when you look at Detroit. Graziano points out that the Lions are “desperate for help in the secondary,” we all know that! But they’ve extended so many of their own stars over the last couple of years. He warns there “might not be room for another big long-term contract commitment, especially from outside the organization for a player they don’t already know.” That’s real talk. You gotta protect your own house first.
And here’s the kicker: Graziano also notes that Porter isn’t even viewed “among the elites at the position” around the league. But that $30 million per year? That’s elite money, straight up. According to Over The Cap, that figure would tie Porter for sixth at the position. So you’re asking a team to pay elite money for a non-elite player, on top of giving up a first-round pick? It’s a tough sell. A “more realistic price” for Porter is probably a second-round pick, and even then, there’s no guarantee the Steelers get that much back because of the contract situation. This whole thing is a high-stakes poker game, and nobody’s folding yet.
This whole Joey Porter Jr. saga is far from over. With the Steelers willing to deal but demanding a king’s ransom, and teams like Dallas and Detroit desperate for secondary help but balking at the price tag and massive contract, who’s gonna blink first? Every team needing a corner is watching this one close. The stakes are real for secondary-needy teams, and it feels like a staredown right now.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply