Earlier this season, Lions coach Dan Campbell was asked if the team’s recent freeing up of cap space via restructuring was done in preparation for a big move forward by the team, and he responded by noting that a huge trade 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 it’s our own guys or…it just gives us flexibility here before the season starts, because there’s a lot of things that can happen.”
“It hasn’t been done, it hasn’t happened,” Porter said this week. “It’s really just old news to me now. It’s mainly about focusing on what I have in front of me and really getting back to 100%.”
In his previous three seasons, Porter totaled 31 passes defended, three interceptions, and he finished the 2025 season with a very respectable PFF grade of 70.1, including a coverage grade of 76.6. According to PFF, Porter allowed just a 55.9 passer rating last year, giving up 32 catches on 67 targets for 325 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. His career passing allowed, according to PFF, is just 71.5.
Porter also fits Detroit’s style very well. He plays a physical style of defense, with man coverage, and has the size (6-foot-2) to do it. He’s also a bit of a handyman, scoring 38 penalties in three years.
Detroit is shorthanded at cornerback after deciding to part ways with Terrion Arnold following his legal issues. Although the Lions have established starters with DJ Reed and Rock Ya-Sin, this position has room for improvement both in terms of talent and depth.
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