The Washington Commanders haven't been afraid to make trades under general manager Adam Peters. While the front-office leader has gone away from this approach during his third offseason at the helm, he's experienced enough to keep all options on the table.
Making an offer for stud cornerback Joey Porter Jr. if the Pittsburgh Steelers became receptive to offers couldn't be dismissed. When asked about the topic, head coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged an air of uncertainty about the player's situation.
And it only fanned the flames even more around a potential switch in the not-too-distant future.
Joey Porter Jr.'s uncertain situation should be monitored by the Commanders
Porter is in the final year of his rookie deal and wants an extension. The Steelers have a lot of money tied into their defense, which complicates matters. And even though McCarthy outlined how much he wants the gifted defensive back to be part of the team's plans, he knows this is a business above all else.
"I learned this in my early years as a head coach: You have to separate the business and football. I would love the opportunity to coach Joey Porter.
"I know our defensive guys would love the opportunity. So we're at an impasse right here, and you've got to respect that. Every one of us has a contract. The organization, they have beliefs and so forth. But yeah, that's just kind of where we are."
These comments have done nothing to diminish the rumor mill. If anything, McCarthy's admission only increased it.
And the Commanders would be wise to keep a close eye on developments.
They have concerns at corner, largely stemming from Trey Amos' ongoing absence. He's now dealing with an ankle sprain and has only practiced once since fracturing his fibula last season. Amik Robertson, Mike Sainristil, and Rasul Douglas could be serviceable, but none is considered a lockdown option.
Porter is in that category. And if talks on a new deal don't go anywhere, the Steelers may decide to cash in rather than lose the 2023 second-round pick out of Penn State for nothing.
Commanders would instantly upgrade their defense with Joey Porter Jr. trade
The Commanders might be satisfied with what they have. But if they could get someone with Porter's talent for a second-round pick and a Day 3 selection in 2028, the rewards would be substantial.
Of course, there is also the financial aspect to consider.
Porter wants a new deal, and it won't be cheap. The cornerback market has been reset several times over the last year, starting with two-time Pro Bowler Jaycee Horn and, most recently, with Super Bowl winner Devin Witherspoon on a deal worth $33 million per season.
Porter might not be on Witherspoon's level. But in terms of the money on his next contract, he might not be far off.
With the Commanders' window shrinking before quarterback Jayden Daniels becomes extension-eligible, giving Porter a deal worth $30 million or more a year might be a stretch. But having just turned 26, he undoubtedly has his best years ahead of him.
Players in their prime at a premium position like corner rarely become available on the trade market. It's also clear that talks between Porter and the Steelers are not progressing, and there will come a point when more drastic measures may be required.
Peters might decide the Commanders aren't far enough along for a bold swing like this. But keeping tabs on talks between Porter and Pittsburgh seems like the minimum requirement.
Whether it becomes anything more is highly debatable.
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