General manager Adam Peters has resisted the urge to make any bold trades this offseason. The Washington Commanders opted to build the more traditional way, which is understandable after how things unfolded during a 2025 campaign that promised a deep playoff run and delivered almost nothing.
But whispers around the league regarding a top young player might just be enough to shift course.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, multiple teams around the league are wondering if the Pittsburgh Steelers might be willing to part ways with stud cornerback Joey Porter Jr. for the right trade offer. He's next up for an extension, and the way this market is headed, the AFC North club could be tempted to cash in.
Commanders could be tempted by Joe Porter Jr. trade if the Steelers are willing
The reality may be a lot different, but it's something to monitor all the same.
"Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. is a name multiple teams around the NFL have wondered about as a potential trade target, per sources. JPJ is in the final year of his rookie contract, and with where the CB market is, teams have wondered if Pittsburgh could ultimately be open to a move with the Pro Bowl-caliber corner."
The Steelers have a lot of money tied into their defense, and they didn't get much bang for their buck last season. According to Over the Cap, they are $10.63 million in the red in 2027, with several defenders set to make in excess of $20 million next year.
Sacrifices will be made, but whether the Steelers would be willing to sacrifice one of their brightest young players rather than paying him is another matter.
Depending on how Porter performs in the final year of his second-round rookie deal, he may want to reset the market. That would be off-putting, but if the Steelers did decide to take calls on the former Penn State standout, there would be a queue of suitors eager to learn what it would take to secure his services.
The Commanders' cornerback room is solid enough, but it's not complete.
Joey Porter Jr. would be an instant upgrade to the Commanders' cornerback room
Amik Robertson, Mike Sainristil, and Rasul Douglas will have roles to play this season. However, there are ongoing injury concerns about 2025 second-round pick Trey Amos, who has practiced in full just once since November 9 last year, after a fractured fibula and an ankle sprain.
Amos will be looking to avoid the injury-prone tag moving forward. If not, someone like Porter would make a massive statement.
Of course, there are obstacles. A lot of them.
The Steelers will drive a hard bargain, even if Porter is out of contract next year. The compensation might be a little steep for Washington, and there is also the small matter of his megabucks contract extension to factor into the decision.
The annual average salary for cornerbacks at the high end is soaring. Five are now coming in at $30 million or more, with Devin Witherspoon of the Seattle Seahawks recently resetting the market at $33 million per year. Porter might not get that high, but won't be far off.
And considering the Commanders could have a bumper extension to figure out with star quarterback Jayden Daniels next year, it could make building up the entire roster more difficult.
Porter would be an instant upgrade on anything the Commanders have. And at 26, his best years are ahead.
It seems unlikely. But if you don't try, you'll never know.
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