Just a few days ago the suggestion of a Steelers trade involving Joey Porter Jr. would have been considered absurd. After various reports from people like Ian Rapoport and others, this scenario has become a whole lot more likely. https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2092034030103392697?s=20
So what if the Steelers eventually decide to trade their star corner? What is the best compensation they can expect? Most suggest a first round pick is a fair price. That would not help the 2026 team, and the Steelers seem to be keen on being a playoff team this season. Omar Khan and company would ideally like a player in return that can help the team in 2026.
With that in mind, which position would most improve the current roster. Pittsburgh could actually withstand losing a corner for the short term. By all reports Asante Samuel Jr has been fantastic in training camp. He is a former first round pick whose career was set back due to injury.
What could really change the course of the Steelers season would be a dynamic playmaker on offense. The additions of Micheal Pittman, and Rico Dowdle were fine moves, but did nothing to add explosiveness to the offense. Roman Wilson has the tools to fill that role, but it has become evident he is not an NFL level wide receiver.
The Detroit Lions have a wealth of weapons on offense, and just so happen to have lost one of their corners in Terrion Arnold. What if the Steelers offered Joey Porter Jr to the Lions in exchange for Lions wideout Jameson Williams? Williams would add instant electricity to an offense that badly needs it. A big play threat that could be used in a variety of ways in the Steelers offense. A player of this caliber could really unlock the Steelers offense, making it a legit top five unit.
For the Lions side, this is a team that has always come up short because of their defense. Detroit has plenty of skill players to spare with names like Amon-Ra St Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam Laporta, and others. Joey Porter Jr would improve their secondary unit greatly, along with the entire defense as a whole. This seems like a win/win for both sides. The main downside of this for the Lions are the contracts. As we know, Porter is looking for a huge contract extension. Jameson Williams is signed long term to a pretty team friendly deal. The difference here may require the Steelers to sweeten the pot a bit.
At the end of the day, it is not at all ideal for the Steelers to trade away a top 10 corner about to hit his prime. The reality is the two sides are miles apart as of right now. It has been reported that JPJ is looking to become the highest paid corner in the league, while the Steelers have apparently not even made an offer yet. If a deal can’t be reached by the start of the season, the best course of action would be to try to get an impact player in return. Losing a talent like Joey Porter Jr can only be tolerated if an equally talented player comes back in return. It’s a long shot, but a Jameson Williams for Joey Porter Jr trade makes all the sense in the world.