Detroit Lions among teams reportedly interested in cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
The Lions have reportedly inquired about a trade for Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who is in the final year of his rookie contract and currently recovering from a back injury.
According to a report from ESPN, the Detroit Lions are one of several NFL clubs that have reached out to the Pittsburgh Steelers about a possible trade for cornerback Joey Porter Jr. The report does not detail the extent of the Lions' contact or any formal offers, but it confirms that the Lions and the Dallas Cowboys are among the teams shown to have expressed interest.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell previously said that recent salary-cap restructurings give the team flexibility for future moves, though he did not specifically address Porter. "I don’t see that," Campbell said when asked about a major transaction, adding that the cap space provides options before the season begins.
Porter, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, has been sidelined since the start of the season due to a back injury. He told reporters that the injury, not contract negotiations, is the reason for his absence. "It didn’t get done, it didn’t happen," he said, indicating that any extension talks are now a secondary concern.
In three seasons with the Steelers, Porter has recorded 31 passes defended, three interceptions and earned a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 70.1 for the 2025 season, with a coverage grade of 76.6. PFF statistics show he allowed a passer rating of 55.9 last year, conceding 32 catches on 67 targets for 325 yards and no touchdowns.
Porter’s physical, man-coverage style and his 6-foot-2 frame align with Detroit’s defensive scheme, though he has drawn 38 penalties over three years. The Lions’ cornerback depth has been reduced after the release of Terrion Arnold, leaving them with starters D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin but limited backup options.