Stephen A. Smith had strong words for the Pittsburgh Steelers after they traded Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys.
The Steelers sent Porter to Dallas for a 2028 second-round pick and a conditional 2027 sixth-round pick. The NFL trade ended a difficult contract situation between Pittsburgh and its young cornerback.
Speaking on ESPN’s First Take, Smith questioned the Steelers’ decision to move Porter during the season.
“There is no question. The Steelers ain’t better because of this. We need to say that,” Smith said.
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He also criticized the organization’s recent results while discussing its decision-making process.
“I mean, every time I’ve turned around, I mean, this organization that still is acting like a gold standard that they’ve been far from for many, many years now, it’s really pissing me off,” Smith said.
Stephen A. Smith questions Steelers’ approach
Smith pointed to Pittsburgh’s lack of postseason success as part of his criticism.
“They haven’t won a playoff game since 2016,” Smith said. “They haven’t been championship relevant in over a decade.”
The Steelers entered the trade with Porter amid a contract stalemate. Porter had been seeking a significant extension, while Pittsburgh maintained its longstanding policy against negotiating contracts during the season.
Smith argued that policy should not prevent the Steelers from making exceptions.
“Well, you know what? Sometimes exceptions need to be made when you’re unexceptional and the Steelers are unexceptional,” he said.
Porter had also missed the opening three games of the season while dealing with a back issue. The Steelers questioned aspects of his status, adding another layer to the strained relationship.
Pittsburgh ultimately chose to move forward without the 26-year-old cornerback. The team has shown confidence in its remaining secondary options, including Asante Samuel Jr. and rookie Daylen Everette.
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For Smith, however, the trade still represents a setback for Pittsburgh.
“That is why I am not smiling this morning about Joey Porter being with the Dallas Cowboys,” Smith said. “No matter what happens to them, they’ll likely still be better off than the damn Steelers. That needs to be said.”
