The Joey Porter Jr. drama has been quite the rollercoaster for the Pittsburgh Steelers, one that an NFL writer believes could end in an abrupt trade to the NFC North.
On Tuesday, CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo compiled three mock trades that feature the Steelers sending Porter to the Detroit Lions.
The first mock trade was rather simple: Pittsburgh sends Porter to Detroit, and the Steelers net second- and third-round draft picks. In the second trade scenario, the Steelers shipped Porter and a third-round pick in exchange for the Lions' 2027 first- and sixth-round draft picks.
Where things really got interesting, however, was in trade number three: The Steelers send Porter, wide receiver DK Metcalf, and a 2027 fourth-round pick in exchange for the Lions'
2027 first-round draft pick and wide receiver Jameson Williams.
"Let's start with the Steelers getting their coveted first-round pick and the Lions getting Porter," DeArdo wrote. "There's also the layer of the Lions getting draft compensation from Pittsburgh after giving them a first-round pick (the Steelers would probably offer a lower draft pick since they are trading the better receiver, at least on paper). In this scenario, the Lions probably wouldn't give the Steelers a draft pick since they would be taking on at least some of Metcalf's sizable contract. Speaking of Metcalf, his time in Pittsburgh has been a disappointment. It's safe to say that he could benefit from a new situation, especially one that would pair him with Amon-Ra St. Brown."
This package is honestly a win-win for both sides, as Porter would find a new home with the cornerback-needy Lions, Metcalf, who has looked completely helpless to start the season, could get a fresh start in Detroit, and the Steelers would land a star wide receiver in Williams and a first-round draft pick to help complete a rebuild.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers blockbuster mock trade sends Joey Porter Jr., DK Metcalf to NFC North
