Bold Steelers-Lions trade prediction sees blockbuster player for pick swap image
With the 2026 NFL season right around the corner, an analyst is boldly predicting a blockbuster trade between the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers.
The bold prediction comes from Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox, who has the Lions acquiring Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick.
While it remains to be seen if the Steelers would actually be amenable to such a deal, there stands a chance Pittsburgh could move on from Porter.
Why Steelers could trade Joey Porter Jr.
As he heads into the final year of his contract, Porter is seeking a lucrative long-term deal, but ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Pittsburgh hasn't even made a formal offer and now Porter is considering sitting out.
"I don't know," Porter said when asked if he would play without an extension. "I got to talk to the guys upstairs and my agents about that."
Porter did appear to walk that comment back after, but then fired off a "maybe" when asked if he would play.
It goes without saying how awful of a decision it would be for Porter to sit out, even with the risk of injury derailing his contract hopes.
We've seen just how badly that can go in the form of Le'Veon Bell.
The Steelers can ill-afford to trade Porter, who is their best cornerback, but if he is going to sit out anyway, they might just consider moving him.
Why Lions need Joey Porter Jr.
After cutting Terrion Arnold amid his legal issue, the Lions have a very shaky situation at one of their outside cornerback spots.
D.J. Reed is solid on one side, but Detroit's candidates for the other are journeyman Rock Ya-Sin, who is best suited as a backup, and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who remains unproven after two injury-plagued years to begin his career.
Porter would instantly be a massive upgrade over both players after a season in which he had elite coverage numbers.
In 14 games, Porter gave up a completion rate of 48.5% and a passer rating of 57.2.
Adding numbers like that across from Reed would give Detroit one of the better one-two punches in the NFL.
Is Joey Porter Jr. worth a first-round pick?
It's conceivable the Steelers could get a first-round pick for him, but the chances of that happening take a hit because a trade would likely have to come in tandem with a contract extension that could hit north of $30 million per year.
Knowing that, a second-round pick is more likely.
Detroit is in good shape on that front, as general manager Brad Holmes has both his first- and second-round picks in the next two drafts.
The Lions really need to go for it in 2026 as their window begins to close. Adding someone like Porter, if available, would be a perfect all-in move.