The Washington Commanders won't have cornerback Trey Amos available for the first four games of 2026 after he was frustratingly placed on injured reserve. General manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn will try to make the best of a bad situation, but it's led to some calls from fans to make a daring trade for Joey Porter Jr.
Porter is at loggerheads with the Pittsburgh Steelers over a new deal. And according to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, this doesn't look like it's ending anytime soon.
The former Penn State standout wants a new contract. Pittsburgh has been unwilling, opting to take care of others first. Fowler believes that sent a strong message to Porter, prompting the defensive back to consider a possible trade.
Commanders should keep tabs on Joey Porter Jr. after Jeremy Fowler revelation
And though Porter is now practicing after a holdout, this latest development might be enough for the Commanders to test Pittsburgh's resolve.
"My sense is the player has been frustrated that, despite his status as a high-level man corner, he hasn't been made a priority. Sources say the Steelers' lack of a formal offer for weeks sent the clear message to Porter that they would like him to play out the final year of his rookie contract, which prompted him to consider the possibility of a trade or sitting out for an extended period."
Peters hasn't made any trades this offseason. He's relied on free-agent signings, draft picks, and undrafted free agents to plug gaps. But with a player of Porter's caliber, coupled with the concerns around Amos, that could change his thought process.
Perhaps something between Porter and the Steelers will get worked out. They don't tend to negotiate contracts during the season, but this might be an exception. And as Fowler stated, this could be a message that they want the corner to play out his rookie deal before taking things further.
It wouldn't hurt for Peters to try. And if the Steelers are receptive, the benefits would be substantial.
Commanders should test Steelers' resolve on Joey Porter Jr. before the trade deadline
Porter represents an immediate upgrade on anything the Commanders have right now, whether Amos is healthy or not. He'll need to be paid, but Washington also has enough spare cap flexibility in the coming years to make him an acceptable offer.
Even though Porter isn't expected to reset the market, it could be in the $20-25 million range. But to get the best, you have to pay accordingly.
The Commanders seem content with what they have right now. Peters is going to let things play out, letting the chips fall where they may. At the same time, the secondary is in no position to be settling for anything less than excellence if the right opportunities come along.
Porter represents precisely that.
In all likelihood, the Steelers probably won't entertain the thought of trading Porter this close to the campaign. But if the situation continues to sour and no progress is made in contract talks, this could become a little more realistic as we get closer to the trade deadline.
And the Commanders should keep a close eye on developments.
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