All articles tagged with #cornerback
The Dallas Cowboys acquired cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a trade involving a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick. The move resolves a months-long contract impasse, allowing Dallas to bolster its defense while Pittsburgh secures future capital. The Cowboys do not plan to extend Porter immediately, opting to play out the final year of his rookie contract.
The Steelers and Joey Porter Jr. could not reach a new contract before the season, with Porter reportedly seeking at least $30 million per year while Pittsburgh’s offer was roughly $27 million APY and tied to guarantees; the dispute centers on guaranteed money and contract structure as the team has been reluctant to heavily guarantee non-quarterbacks. Porter’s status remains uncertain amid back-injury questions and speculation of an in-season holdout, with a potential Week 3 return against the Bengals discussed, and the option to tag him at about $23.1 million in 2027 if a deal or trade isn’t reached by the deadline.
Bleacher Report identifies six potential trade partners for Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr.—the Chiefs, Commanders, Giants, Cowboys, Lions, and Bears—citing Porter’s contract demands, the Steelers’ compensation expectations, and each team’s cap space and defensive needs as the basis for possible deals.
FantasyPros writer Adam Murfet breaks down Week 1 WR/CB matchups, highlighting three advantageous pairings (Josh Downs vs Marlon Humphrey, Michael Wilson vs Cam Hart, Wan’Dale Robinson vs Jarvis Brownlee) and several notable favorable and challenging alignments, with guidance to exploit strong matchups and temper expectations on tougher ones (e.g., Drake London vs Joey Porter, Chris Godwin vs Jalen Davis) to gain a 5–10 point edge in Week 1.
Patriots lock in CB Christian Gonzalez with a four-year, $135 million extension (about $102 million guaranteed), making him the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback; multiple analysts grade the deal an A+ and view it as a strong move to retain top talent ahead of the season.
The New England Patriots signed Christian Gonzalez to a four-year, $135 million extension with $102 million guaranteed, making him the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback. The deal solidifies a cornerstone of the secondary and pairs Gonzalez with Carlton Davis III and Marcus Jones through 2028, supporting the Patriots’ aggressive coverage approach and their draft-and-develop strategy, though the exact cap impact, structure and incentives remain to be revealed.
The New England Patriots agreed to a four-year, $135 million contract extension with cornerback Christian Gonzalez, including $102 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. The 24-year-old, the 2023 No. 17 overall pick, has earned a 2024 second-team All-Pro honor and a 2025 Pro Bowl, with notable postseason play, and will be a cornerstone of New England's defense as the 2026 season begins.
With the season opener near, the Patriots and Christian Gonzalez remain far apart on a new deal, with insiders saying talks are nowhere and a last‑second push possible but unlikely to close the gap. Gonzalez is seeking top-market pay for a cornerback, potentially matching Devon Witherspoon’s four‑year, $132 million deal, while the team has signaled support but hasn’t closed the distance; one insider believes a deal will eventually get done.
Boston Globe writer Ben Volin argues the Patriots’ ongoing contract talks with cornerback Christian Gonzalez send a signal that the team won’t pay market-rate for its own star, keeping him two years and about $21 million under current terms while top peers fetch massive extensions. Gonzalez is frustrated by the stalemate, the Patriots acknowledge discussions but deny any hold-up, and the piece suggests the stance could undermine Gonzalez’s security and morale ahead of the season opener against the Seahawks.
The Patriots and All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez have not yet agreed on a contract extension. Insiders say Gonzalez is positioned to command a record-setting deal—potentially over $33 million per year—though timing and exact terms remain unsettled as the team’s public courting clashes with his preference for privacy. Reports indicate offers are improving, and negotiations appear headed toward an agreement.
Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr., the 2009 draft’s 37th overall pick, died at age 40 in Florida. He played for Denver and Detroit (2010–2012) after a standout Wake Forest career that included consensus All-American honors in 2008 and a 2022 Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame induction. TMZ reports he died by suicide following a troubling Facebook post.
Joey Porter Jr. downplayed concerns about adapting to the Steelers’ new defense under Patrick Graham and the hold-up on his contract, saying a defense is a defense and the system is flexible enough to fit players. With Graham changing the scheme and Porter aiming to be the No. 1 corner, the Steelers expect him to pick up quickly for Week 1 despite unresolved contract talks.
San Francisco cut Darrell Luter Jr. as they trimmed to 53, but he drew the most waiver interest from Titans, Dolphins, Cowboys and Colts before landing with the Raiders. The move could backfire on the 49ers, who added Jack Jones and Ephesians Prysock this offseason. In three seasons with SF, Luter appeared in 27 games with 3 starts and no interceptions, but preseason numbers were strong (allowed 28.6% of targets, 39.6 passer rating). With Las Vegas’ thinner cornerback depth, Luter could contribute by Week 9, potentially fueling regret for the Niners.
Las Vegas claimed Darrell Luter Jr. off waivers, the most pursued player after rosters were cut, in a five-team scramble that included the Titans, Dolphins, Cowboys and Colts. Luter, a former 49ers cornerback, joins the Raiders after outperforming other cuts and prompting a roster move that saw them cut receiver Decamerion Richardson as they firmed up their cornerback group.
Las Vegas used its top waiver priority to claim veteran CB Darrell Luter, beating four other interested teams—the Titans, Dolphins, Cowboys and Colts—who also submitted claims. Luter, a 2023 fifth‑round pick, has appeared in 27 games with 3 starts over three seasons, including all 17 games with 3 starts in 2025, recording 28 tackles, 1 pass defensed and 1 fumble recovery.