Should the Chicago Bears Consider Trading For Joey Porter Jr.?

The Chicago Bears fell flat on both sides of the ball in their 27-9 preseason loss against the Cincinnati Bengals. However, their defensive performance was especially alarming (or at least as alarming as a mid-August performance can be).

Yes, they didn't have all of their defensive starters on the field. A lot of them were early on, though. Conversely, NONE of the Bengals' offensive starters suited up. In fact, a few of their key backups didn't suit up, either. That didn't stop their second- and third-string offense from marching down the field on a 14-play, seven-minute drive to start the game.

Sure, it was a small sample size. It was also a preseason game, and they held them out of the end zone. The sky is not yet falling. It's still fair to point out that the Bengals' practice squad moved the ball at will on Saturday night regardless of who was on the field. It shouldn't have been competitive early on.

Jaylon Johnson attempting to tackle Mitchell Tinsley — Aug 22, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley (82) runs after a catch against Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (1) during the first quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The performance has led some to question whether the Bears could add to the cornerback room ahead of Week 1. CHGO's Adam Hoge predicted that they'll surely do so.

"I'm telling you right now, with what they have, they're going to add somebody," Hoge said. "I don't know if it's a trade, I don't know if it's a waiver wire claim, rosters change at the end of the 53 when they need to be set."

Joey Porter Jr. could be the answer the Bears are looking for

Joey Porter Jr on the field — Dec 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) reacts after a defensive stop against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Hear me out... rumors are swirling that Joey Porter Jr. is reportedly unhappy in Pittsburgh. He's in the final year of his rookie contract, and NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported last week that teams around the league think he could be available. NFL legend James Harrison (who played with Porter's dad and could conceivably be a soundboard for the cover man) also said he should hold out if the Steelers don't put pen to paper before the season.

It's a messy situation that could become A LOT messier once the season kicks off. That could cause the Steelers to lower the asking price for Porter, who has already established himself as one of the league's premier cornerbacks. The fact that only a select number of teams (ones that are both in win-now mode and have a boatload of future cap space) would also limit the potential suitors.

With the Bears coming off their best season in over a decade, they clearly check off the first box mentioned above. Conversely, they don't check off the second box yet, but they easily could after making a few cuts they're already probably considering at this stage.

The Bears currently rank 19th in 2027 with just over $16 million in available cap space. According to Spotrac, they would save $15 million by getting Dayo Odeyingbo's contract off the books next season, and another $12.75 million by cutting Grady Jarrett. The site also indicates that they'd save nearly $8.5 million by cutting Kyler Gordon.

It's safe to assume they would offload those deals to land Porter, whose ability to thrive in both press coverage and man-to-man situations makes him a perfect fit for Dennis Allen's defense, in a heartbeat.

The cornerback position could become a complete question mark in 2027

The most significant aspect to consider when weighing the cost of trading for Porter is what comes next. First off, Ben Johnson doesn't seem to be too fond of Kyler Gordon. His future will be up in the air if he doesn't return to the lineup and play at a high level upon doing so. That opens up a potential void at nickelback.

Meanwhile, Tyrique Stevenson is playing out the final year of his rookie contract, and he hasn't shown nearly enough to make them feel comfortable committing to him long-term. Jaylon Johnson will also be entering the final year of his contract in 2027. Before last season began, he hinted about getting back to the negotiation table after outplaying his deal in the 2024 campaign. Assuming he returns to his high level of play this season, he probably won't want to play out the final year of his contract. He'd be an obvious holdout candidate without a new deal.

Also, this might be my Madden franchise GM brain doing overtime... but Johnson is still a great player. I don't love the idea of giving up a second-round pick and some change for Porter, but it becomes pretty palatable if the Bears can recoup similar capital for their star cornerback (albeit a bit less, based on the fact that Johnson will be 28 and Porter just turned 26) if there is fear of a holdout next offseason.

On the other hand, the Bears could be in a situation where they have to cave to Johnson's demands. Can you imagine their defense without him in the fold right now? Safe to assume his agent will pull that one out at negotiations.

Kyler Gordon's health is the key factor

Kyler Gordon on the field — Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (6) breaks up a pass to Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) during the second half of an NFC Wild Card Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

We still haven't gotten any clarity on the Kyler Gordon front. If they think he can be back before October, then they should stand pat with their current CB room. Reap the benefits of a relatively soft early schedule and see if either Stevenson or Muhammad can provide stability on the outside after Gordon brings some juice to the nickelback position.

Alternatively, if they don't expect to see him until midseason (or after that point, considering they haven't given a timeline), then they should do whatever they can to improve the cornerback room.

That's the only way they can survive without expecting the offense to win shootouts every week. If they could land Porter without giving up a first-round pick, then he would be well worth the price of admission for a team on the rise.

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