After trading Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys, the Pittsburgh Steelers got humbled against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football. It was a game that showed this defense might not be in a good spot when it comes to replacing Porter this season. In fact, the secondary as a whole looked to be in shambles against the Browns, which has sparked demand for a trade upgrade.
It's obvious that Daylen Everette isn't ready for a starting job, and Asante Samuel Jr. is playing above his pay grade. Jamel Dean isn't a top cover guy on a good team, and with him struggling with an injury, the club is running out of options. Making the Joey Porter Jr. trade was bold without any obvious replacements on the roster.
If the Steelers want to win this season, they must find a reliable replacement for Porter on the trade block in a hurry.
Pittsburgh Steelers desperately need to scour trade block to find Joey Porter Jr. replacement
Charvarius Ward, Indianapolis Colts
Right now, the Colts are struggling, and they could make Charvarius Ward available on the trade block soon. The Steelers actually play Indianapolis next week, which would give them a close-up look at the veteran cornerback. Although he might not be at Joey Porter Jr.'s level as a player, Ward would be a nice get. The biggest concern for him is his age and being under contract through the 2027 season.
Kamari Lassiter, Houston Texans
If the Steelers want to go big-game hunting, they should be targeting the Houston Texans if they're willing to sell. Kamari Lassiter sticks out like a sore thumb on that team since they are unlikely to move Derek Stingley Jr. Lassiter is a young cover guy coming off the best season of his career. He will need a new contract soon, and the Texans might part with him after paying Stingley Jr.
Riley Moss, Denver Broncos
His name has been in the rumor mill for a while now, and the Denver Broncos could move Riley Moss this year. The Steelers could use a starting cornerback with the level of experience he brings. Denver has a ton of quality cornerbacks in their secondary, and Moss is blocking some of their younger guys from playing. He's in the final year of his contract, so he could be a rental for Pittsburgh to consider.
Keisean Nixon, Green Bay Packers
There was some speculation about the Black and Gold considering Keisean Nixon in a Joey Porter Jr. trade, but that never materialized. With the Packers struggling early in the year, they could consider moving some pieces to try to rejuvenate their campaign. The issue with Nixon has been his lack of consistency.
The Steelers would be taking a gamble on him performing better in a new environment.
Zyon McCollum, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It would be shocking to see Zyon McCollum hit the trade block this early in his new contract, but it's not impossible. He brings starting experience and great size to the cornerback position. He is a type of player the Steelers would certainly covet if he became available. His contract isn't anything outlandish; he's a young player and someone who could help boost their secondary.
Kool-Aid McKinstry, New Orleans Saints
He might not be the biggest corner to replace Joey Porter Jr., but Kool-Aid McKinstry is someone who is on the rise. He has shown he can be a reliable starting cornerback, and the Steelers could use a younger piece in their secondary like him. When he was coming out of the draft, Pittsburgh expressed a good amount of pre-draft interest in McKinstry before the Saints selected him.
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