Rumors about New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez and the Pittsburgh Steelers' Joey Porter were circulating around the league, as their contract negotiations had been unsuccessful. Gonzalez and the Patriots came to an agreement late Monday night, but Porter is still without an extension. If nothing changes, the New Orleans Saints must call and gauge his value, even if it’s far too high.
It’s no secret that the Saints cornerback room is questionable. Kool-Aid McKinstry anchors the unit, but the depth behind him is questionable. Second-year player Quincy Riley has potential, but is still unproven. After him, Martin Emerson Jr., Jayden Price, and Decamerion Richardson sit. This group has talent and could be seen in a different light following the season, but for now it’s an unproven position.
Because of this, the Saints should be interested in improving it, and trading for Porter would do exactly that. Porter is 26, and he proven production at the NFL level. He'd obviously be a day-one starter from the moment he stepped into the locker room and would instantly form a top tandem with McKinstry.
Price may be too high for the Saints to land Joey Porter Jr, but don't rule out them playing the long game
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox recently released an article detailing potential blockbuster trades before the season, one of which centered around Porter. In this scenario, the Steelers would have received a 2027 first-round pick. Although the Saints weren’t involved, it gives fans a baseline for his value.
With their current situation, it wouldn’t be wise for Mickey Loomis to trade a first-round pick or more for one of the two players. It’s a risky move, especially with the highly anticipated 2027 draft class, and is something that Kellen Moore likely won’t do. The team values these picks far too much, and it’s difficult to see a world where they trade one.
Despite this, it would be irrational for the Saints not to call the Steelers about the cornerback. A deal won’t happen now, as the teams have little leverage to trade the budding superstars, but that could quickly change if contract negotiations fail. Because of this, don’t be surprised if the rumors quiet down until the trade deadline, then rapidly circulate if no deal is made.
Saints fans shouldn’t expect a deal for Joey Porter Jr. to happen anytime soon. However, talks could be happening behind closed doors, and a possible trade could emerge around the deadline in early November.
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