The Detroit Lions are reportedly among the teams that have shown interest in trading for Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., according to an ESPN report on Sunday morning, Sept. 27.
Porter, 26, is in the final season of his rookie deal and is seeking a new contract from the Steelers. According to the report from Adam Schefter, the Steelers “would want a strong compensation package if they were to deal the fourth-year star.” The Dallas Cowboys have also checked in with the Steelers on Porter’s services, per the report.
Porter, an early second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has not appeared in a game for the Steelers this season as he continues to ramp up from a back injury. However, he has little hope of getting an extension done before this season is over due to the Steelers having a longstanding policy of not negotiating contracts during the season.
The Lions could use all the help they can get at cornerback after allowing a league-high 10 explosive pass plays through their first two games. Detroit has given up 915 yards (31st) and 71 points (31st) en route to a 1-1 record entering their Week 3 game against the New York Jets at Ford Field, including 621 yards through the air (31st).
Detroit’s deficiencies are currently higher at safety following the placement of Avonte Maddox (foot) and Thomas Harper (ankle) on injured reserve. Maddox is done for the season, Lions coach Dan Campbell said on Sept. 21. Safeties Kerby Joseph (knee) and Brian Branch (Achilles) don’t appear close to returning.
Still, cornerback was the team’s most questionable position group entering the season. Detroit released former first-round pick Terrion Arnold in June due to off-the-field legal troubles. Rock Ya-Sin, specifically, has contributed to the Lions’ shortcomings at corner.
Brad Holmes confident enough work was done to build Lions’ CB depth
The Lions are in a position to make the move, cap-wise. Detroit cleared more than $35 million in cap space by restructuring the contracts of wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell.
Campbell downplayed the idea that Detroit did so to swing a high-profile trade on Sept. 15, but noted, “It gives us options.”
nbianchi@detroitnews.com
@nolanbianchi
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Joey Porter Jr., Steelers CB, drawing interest from Lions: report
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