Joey Porter Jr. Status Updated by Steelers' Mike McCarthy amid New NFL Trade Rumors

Amid trade rumors surrounding Joey Porter Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy gave an update on the cornerback's status after he missed Sunday's season opener.

"We'll have a good plan for him on Wednesday. Hopefully he'll do more," McCarthy told reporters about Porter.

ESPN's Adam Schefter also gave an update on Porter's contract talks with the Steelers on Monday.

Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport of ESPN and NFL Network reported Sunday that a trade involving Porter "is very possible" as he and the Steelers continue to struggle to find common ground on a new contract.

Schefter and Rapoport noted that the two sides held negotiations until the day before the start of the season, but Pittsburgh does not want to continue contract talks during the campaign. According to the two insiders, Porter and the Steelers "remain far apart on a deal."

Porter previously requested a trade from Pittsburgh and is open to playing for another team, according to Schefter and Rapoport. The Steelers are asking for a premium draft pick, perhaps in the first round, but there has been no "notable interest" so far.

Porter is playing in the final year of his rookie deal and has a $3.9 million base salary for the 2026 season. He's coming off a solid season that saw him record 52 tackles, a sack and 14 passes defended, so he's bound to get a lucrative deal when the time comes.

Whether that deal comes from the Steelers or another team remains to be seen.

New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez and Seattle Seahawks corner Devon Witherspoon reset the market this offseason when they signed new deals that average more than $33 million annually.

As it stands now, Porter might not be worth that kind of money, but if he puts together a strong 2026 season, he could command that number or more when he reaches free agency.

Porter might hope to find another team to spend the 2026 campaign with, but right now, it seems Pittsburgh hasn't gained much traction in finding a trade for him.

Whether he'll be on the field for the Steelers in Week 2 against the New England Patriots remains to be seen.