joey porter jr.
Joey Porter Jr. trade rumours continue to swirl as he continues to miss games for the Steelers joeyporterjr/Instagram

Joey Porter Jr. missed his third straight game to start the 2026 season on Sunday, sitting out the Pittsburgh Steelers' home clash with the Cincinnati Bengals as multiple teams, including the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions, reportedly enquired about trading for the sidelined cornerback.

Porter was officially listed as inactive before the Week 3 meeting at Acrisure Stadium, extending a start to the season in which he has yet to play a single defensive snap. The Steelers had carried him as questionable throughout the week under a 'not injury related/conditioning' designation, although the official inactive report cited his back injury.

The timing is significant because ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Sunday that the Cowboys and Lions are among several teams to have made enquiries about Porter's availability. Pittsburgh is reportedly willing to listen to offers but wants strong compensation for the fourth-year cornerback.

Porter Misses Chase Showdown Again

Porter's latest absence means he will again watch from the sidelines rather than lining up against one of the NFL's most dangerous receivers.

The Steelers had hoped to get their starting cornerback back after he missed most of training camp and the preseason with a back problem. He also sat out Pittsburgh's opening two games, leaving him without a 2026 appearance as the regular season reaches Week 3.

His absence is particularly notable against Cincinnati, where Chase presents a major challenge for any secondary. Porter had been expected to be one of Pittsburgh's principal defenders capable of matching up with the Bengals' star wide receiver. Instead, the Steelers will have to cope without one of their most prominent defensive backs once again.

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Contract Dispute Continues

Porter's prolonged absence has unfolded alongside an unresolved contract situation. The 26-year-old cornerback is in the final year of his rookie contract after he and Pittsburgh failed to reach agreement on a long-term extension before the Steelers' deadline.

The organisation does not negotiate new contracts during the season, leaving the two sides at an impasse until the off-season.

Porter has previously pushed back against suggestions that his absence was connected to the contract dispute. He also denied reports that he had requested a trade, saying earlier in the week that he intended to play once he was healthy and ready. That distinction is important as speculation surrounding his future intensifies.

Cowboys and Lions Make Inquiries

The trade situation took a significant turn on Sunday when Schefter reported that the Cowboys and Lions were among a handful of teams to contact the Steelers about Porter.

According to the report, Pittsburgh is prepared to listen to potential offers, but the Steelers would expect substantial compensation before agreeing to part with their fourth-year cornerback.

The report does not indicate that a trade has been agreed or that either team has made a formal offer. For now, Porter remains a member of the Steelers, despite the growing uncertainty surrounding his future.

Steelers Still Await His Debut

The Steelers now face the prospect of moving beyond Week 3 without seeing Porter take the field this season. His continued absence, combined with the failed contract negotiations and reported interest from other teams, has made his situation one of the more closely watched storylines surrounding Pittsburgh.

For Porter, meanwhile, the wait continues. The cornerback has missed the chance to face Chase once again, and with outside teams now checking on his availability, questions over when he will play for the Steelers, and whether he will remain with them, are likely to persist.

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