According to ESPN, the Detroit Lions are one of “a handful of teams” that have made inquiries about trading for cornerback Joey Porter Jr. The report from Adam Schefter does not specify what level of contact the Lions have made, nor does it say if Detroit has made any trade offers. The report only lists the Lions and Dallas Cowboys specifically, but implies other teams have reached out as well.
Earlier this season, Lions coach Dan Campbell was asked if the team’s recent clearing of cap space via restructures
was done in preparation of the team making a big move, and he responded by noting that any sort of huge transaction was unlikely (note: he was not specifically asked about Porter).
“I don’t see that,” Campbell said two weeks ago. “I would say this, though: it gives us options, whether that be our own guys or—it just gives us flexibility here before the season starts because there’s a lot that can happen.”
Porter was seeking a contract extension as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. However, he has been sidelined since the start of the season, and told reporters that his current absence is due to the back injury—not a financial standoff.
“It didn’t get done, it didn’t happen,” Porter said this week. “That’s really just old news for me now. It’s mainly just focus on what I’ve got ahead of me and just really getting back to 100%.”
In his three previous seasons, Porter has tallied a total of 31 passes defended, three interceptions, and he finished the 2025 season with a very respectable 70.1 PFF grade, including a coverage grade of 76.6. Per PFF, Porter allowed just a passer rating of 55.9 last year, ceding 32 catches on 67 targets for 325 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception. His career passing allowed, per PFF, is just 71.5.
Porter is also stylistically a very good fit for Detroit. He plays a physical, man-coverage style of defense, and has the size (6-foot-2) to do it. He’s also a bit handsy, tallying 38 penalties in three years.
Detroit is shorthanded at cornerback after deciding part ways with Terrion Arnold following his legal issues. While the Lions have established starters in D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin, that position can be upgraded both in terms of starter talent and depth.
