After a months-long standoff between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Joey Porter Jr. in contract negotiations, trade rumors have officially arrived. It was just a matter of time before one of the parties 'leaked' that there could be a trade scenario in which the team sends its most promising cornerback out of town. Pittsburgh should listen to any offers that may come, but they must be careful.
If a deal surrounding Porter would become realistic, it would have to come at a hefty price. The Steelers are attempting to win now, and even though they are locked in tense negotiations with the young defender, moving him doesn't make sense just for the sake of doing it. Unless they get a trade offer similar to what the Colts paid for Sauce Gardner, a deal just doesn't add up.
At the end of the day, this rumor floated out there by NFL insider Jordan Schultz just doesn't make sense.
Expect Joey Porter Jr. to remain with the Steelers as the team has contractual control over him this season. Both parties should eventually arrive at a contract extension, but if not, Pittsburgh could always franchise tag him after this year. A trade doesn't make sense unless a massive offer like the one Sauce Gardner demanded came across Omar Khan's desk.
Pittsburgh Steelers cannot consider a Joey Porter Jr. trade for less than proper value
As it was mentioned earlier, the Steelers cannot afford to consider moving Joey Porter Jr. unless they get a colossal offer. If the Jets were able to net two first-round picks and a roster player from the struggling Colts just minutes before the NFL trade deadline last season for Sauce Gardner, then Pittsburgh should get proper compensation.
An offer of two first rounders would certainly get trade talks off and running and would likely materialize a deal.
Perhaps Porter doesn't hold the same headlining name as Sauce, but he is up there when it comes to being one of the best at the cornerback position. Another thing working against Porter potentially could be the age difference. Gardner is two years younger than Joey, and he has produced more individual accolades. Those argumentative points could be other teams' attempts to lower value.
When it comes down to it, there is no better time for a cornerback's value. We have seen trades and massive contract extensions over the past year that show it. Any team that would want to deal for Joey Porter Jr. would know that his best days are still in front of him, but the player they are getting now is a true number one player at his position.
That's why the Steelers should be cautious.
At the end of the day, expect the Steelers and Porter to eventually come to an agreement on a contract extension at some point. It would be shocking if the team would trade him leading up to the season, but if they get a massive offer similar to the Sauce Gardner package, they will have to mull over it.
No matter the outcome, expect the young cornerback to see a lot of money coming in his direction.
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