Although a large portion of the discussion around the Steelers has centered on backup signal-callers Drew Allar and Will Howard, attention on Monday turned toward a different athlete whose absence has been highly conspicuous during the summer.
Even though Joey Porter Jr. has attended the Steelers’ sessions, the experienced defensive back has not actually participated in drills because he is seeking a contract extension. According to head coach Mike McCarthy, the franchise and Porter have reached a “deadlock,” with the player currently designated on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list due to a back injury sustained during the opening day’s conditioning assessment.
Alongside Porter, defensive teammate Jalen Ramsey was also sidelined during camp due to a lingering knee issue. Ramsey, who was activated from the PUP list on Monday, expressed that a resolution regarding Porter’s contract situation is overdue. Pittsburgh has an informal target date of September 13 to resolve the dispute, which coincides with their season opener against the Falcons.
“Our entire defensive backfield needs to be on the field,” Ramsey commented, according to ESPN. “They need to take care of Joey Porter financially, plus we have several other sidelined players. Because the full secondary hasn’t practiced together, I really can’t give you a clear answer on that.”
Currently, the most probable outcome is that Porter stays in Pittsburgh until 2026. However, should things take a different turn, we explore potential destinations for the cornerback.
Dallas Cowboys
There are multiple reasons why Dallas is a logical fit, beginning with how seamlessly Porter would fit alongside the current members of the Cowboys’ secondary. Furthermore, he could act as an experienced guide for top draft selection Caleb Downs.
Having shown a willingness to spend freely after trading Micah Parsons last off-season, the Cowboys possess ample salary cap flexibility to pursue Porter if they choose to. Adding weight to this possibility is the existing rapport between Jerry Jones and Steelers GM Omar Khan, who previously collaborated on major trades.
Regarding Jones, the 83-year-old proprietor of the Cowboys is highly motivated to snap the franchise’s 31-year title drought. This urgency, combined with his penchant for blockbuster deals, makes this destination highly plausible.
Chicago Bears
The Bears struggled significantly against the pass in 2025, and judging by their current roster status, those difficulties could persist into 2026 without immediate intervention. Though Chicago utilized an early draft selection on safety Dillon Thieneman, his presence alone cannot offset the defensive backfield’s current health issues, which include injuries to starting safety Coby Bryant (knee) and starting nickelback Kyler Gordon (calf).
There is no doubt that bringing Porter to the Windy City would boost the franchise’s championship hopes. This scenario is further supported by the established trade relationship between Khan and Bears GM Ryan Poles, who have completed prominent deals together in the past.
Carolina Panthers
Pittsburgh might consider sending Porter to a franchise dealing with its own intriguing cornerback dilemma. Veteran defender Mike Jackson is heading into the final season of his two-year, $10.5 million contract. Having exceeded expectations with his performance last year, Jackson will likely seek a more lucrative contract for 2026 and future seasons.
Under these circumstances, a direct player swap could satisfy both organizations. The Steelers would acquire a solid, more cost-effective alternative to Porter, whereas the Panthers would pair Porter with Jaycee Horn—both sons of prominent former NFL players—to form one of the premier cornerback tandems in football.
Because Porter is regarded as one of the game’s brightest young defensive backs, Pittsburgh would undoubtedly command additional assets, such as draft compensation, to finalize such a trade.
New York Giants
The Giants enter this campaign with elevated standards, largely driven by the hiring of John Harbaugh during the offseason. Nonetheless, for New York to mount a genuine competitive run in 2026, they must address several roster weaknesses, most notably in their secondary.
Integrating Porter into the defense would provide a significant advantage for the Giants as they prepare to face divisional signal-callers like Jalen Hurts, Dak Prescott, and Jayden Daniels. Furthermore, Harbaugh has spent the last three years game-planning against Porter and is well aware of his ability to derail opposing offenses.
New Orleans Saints
Much like Carolina and New York, New Orleans represents another NFC franchise aiming to elevate its status in 2026. Following an underwhelming beginning, the Saints rallied late in the 2025 campaign, securing four consecutive victories to close out the year under the leadership of new head coach Kellen Moore.
Acquiring a talent like Porter would bolster New Orleans’ defense and elevate their chances of claiming the division crown in a highly competitive NFC South. This could prompt long-time Saints GM Mickey Loomis to negotiate a deal with Khan—a New Orleans native who began his professional football career with the Saints organization—should he believe Porter is the missing piece to break the franchise’s five-year postseason drought.
Green Bay Packers
This is yet another NFC contender with lofty ambitions aiming to distance itself from the rest of the field (pun intended). Green Bay demonstrated their aggressiveness last season by orchestrating a blockbuster trade for Parsons, raising the question of whether they might execute another major transaction to secure a premier defensive playmaker.
Similar to Pittsburgh, the Packers’ success is defined solely by Super Bowl trophies. Following another early exit from the postseason in 2025, Green Bay is highly motivated to make a deep playoff run in 2026. Consequently, the Packers must be viewed as a highly plausible destination should Porter become available on the trade market.
