Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Sep 14
Lions Explore Joey Porter Jr. Trade as Steelers Seek Up to 2 First-Round Picks
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Sep 14

Lions Explore Joey Porter Jr. Trade as Steelers Seek Up to 2 First-Round Picks

3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Sep 14

Summary

  • Detroit has contacted Pittsburgh about Joey Porter Jr.'s availability, according to a report citing a Steelers-side source, though no offer or Pittsburgh response was disclosed.
  • Two first-round picks is reportedly Pittsburgh's high-end ask, with a deal believed to start at one first-rounder plus a high Day 2 selection as Porter Jr. seeks a contract worth $30 million or more annually.
  • Mike McCarthy did not play Porter Jr. in the season opener, saying the move was his decision and tied to the cornerback's ramp-up, while acknowledging a separate business component.
  • Detroit's interest follows heavy scrutiny of its secondary after New Orleans erased a 21-0 deficit in the opener, even as coach Dan Campbell downplayed concern.
  • About $38 million in cap space gives the Lions room to act, but more than $1 billion already committed in extensions could tighten that flexibility quickly.

Insights

Could Pittsburgh's strict in-season negotiation policy force them to trade their star cornerback to a desperate NFC contender?
Is paying a premium cornerback thirty million annually the missing championship piece for Detroit or a massive financial trap?