Steelers Express Interest in Former First-Round Pick CB

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed former Buffalo Bills and Miami Hurricanes defensive back Daryl Porter Jr., following a successful workout, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC-TV. The workout also included former first-round pick C.J. Henderson.

The Steelers have been dealing with a number of injuries at the cornerback position, with Joey Porter Jr., Cory Trice and Donte Kent all missing the team’s practice session on Sunday. Depending on how things pan out, Henderson could be a player that the Steelers come back to.

Henderson was signed to the Steelers’ practice squad in September of last season, and then signed to the active roster on Oct. 21. He was never elevated to the 53-man roster, however. He also ended the year injured.

Henderson, 25, was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Florida for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He started eight games as a rookie in 2020 and seven more in 2021, but quickly fell out of favor in Jacksonville. Henderson was drafted by Doug Marrone in 2020, but clashed with new head coach Urban Meyer in 2021.

Henderson was traded to the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 27, 2021, in exchange for tight end Dan Arnold and a swap of draft picks. He started in five games for Carolina in 2021 and then 10 in 2022 and seven in 2023. Henderson became a free agent at the end of the 2023 season and signed with the Houston Texans, but he was released on Aug. 27.

In his time in Carolina, Henderson was the No. 2 cornerback, alongside former Steelers corner Donte Jackson.

In 49 career games, starting 32, Henderson has recorded 172 tackles (139 solos), 16 passes defended, six tackles for a loss, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and a sack and fumble recovery.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Henderson has played almost exclusively outside cornerback in his NFL career.

Henderson was a highly-touted player coming out of the University of Florida, recording 93 tackles (66 solos), six interceptions, 28 passes defensed, four sacks, and eight tackles for a loss in 33 career games.

Henderson certainly hasn’t lived up to his top-10 draft status in the NFL, but with his extensive starting experience, he could be an option for the Steelers if they continue to be hampered by injuries at cornerback.

Alan Saunders contributed reporting for this story.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Express Interest in Former First-Round Pick CB