How do the Pittsburgh Steelers solve their Joey Porter Jr. problem and fix their wide receiver issues in one fell swoop? Perhaps the answer is trading Porter for a proven receiver. Of course, NFL teams aren't exactly chomping at the bit to unload their starting receivers. But maybe the Detroit Lions would be the exception.
The Lions' offense has been spectacular early in the season. Entering Week 3, Dan Campbell's team ranks fourth in scoring (31.0 points per game) and 10th in yards (362.0 per game), while having top-ten rankings in both EPA and DVOA.
What they lack is a respectable defense—particularly in the secondary. The Lions are currently 31st in the NFL in pass defense, surrendering 310.5 passing yards per contest. There's no secret that Detroit's front office is on the lookout for cornerback help, and they've had their eyes on Porter Jr.
The Steelers, meanwhile, are looking to compete now (despite how naive that may feel). So getting a draft pick in return for the disgruntled cornerback might not scratch that itch for general manager Omar Khan. However, if Jameson Williams were to be included in the deal, he should be intrigued.
A Joey Porter Jr.-Jameson Williams trade would make sense for both the Steelers and the Lions
Williams is a good receiver who is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns with Detroit. But in 2026, the former first-round pick is off to a remarkably slow start. The Lions have put up a whopping 724 total offensive yards through two games, but Williams has accounted for just 78 all-purpose yards so far entering Week 3.
Because the offense runs through superstars Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown—with some tight end Sam LaPorta sprinkled in—Williams is often an afterthought. Trading Williams for Porter would give the Lions a true No. 1 cornerback who could help greatly improve the defense and take away the opposing team's top option, while not taking a significant step back on offense.
For the Steelers, having Jameson Williams starting at receiver would unquestionably be better than Porter Jr. watching in street clothes from the sidelines. As things continue to spiral, Porter could be on the cusp of being traded.
Instead of seeking a draft pick (maybe a second-rounder), Khan could get an asset that could help improve a stagnant offense right away.
Entering Week 3, the Steelers' offense ranks 30th in yards per game (249.5), 31st in points per game (11.5), 31st in EPA per play, 31st in dropback EPA, 31st in offense DVOA, and 32nd in success rate (33.59%). Williams wouldn't magically solve all of their issues, but adding him to the roster would be a step in the right direction.
Maybe the best part for Pittsburgh is that Williams already got his contract extension from the Lions, which means the Steelers simply take over the remaining years of his deal, but with some of his guarantees already paid out.
Admittedly, Williams isn't the exact type of receiver the Steelers could use most. He's not the most nuanced route runner, and he's a bit inconsistent at the catch point (much like DK Metcalf). However, beggars can't be choosers, and he's better than any option that could potentially be on the table right now.
To sweeten the deal just a bit more, the Steelers' front office could include a late-round pick swap in 2027.
You don't often see one-for-one wide receiver-cornerback trades in the NFL, especially among two reputable starters. However, this mock trade could legitimately work out for both parties. And considering there doesn't seem to be an end in sight to the Joey Porter Jr. drama, Omar Khan should be making a call to Detroit's front office.
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