The Dallas Cowboys are acquiring disgruntled cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for two draft picks, according to two people with knowledge of the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Pittsburgh will receive a sixth-round pick in 2027 and a second-round pick in 2028. The transaction comes as Dallas works to reinforce a defensive secondary ravaged by injuries while managing the closing window on a top-tier quarterback, as DallasCowboys.com reported.
Steelers Send Porter to Dallas Following Wednesday Practice Back Issue
Pittsburgh ruled Porter out for its Week 4 matchup against the Cleveland Browns after his back became a problem during Wednesday’s practice, sports.yahoo.com reported. The defensive back had not suited up this season amid contract drama. The deal marks the third trade between the Steelers and Cowboys where the Cowboys received a player the Steelers had selected high in previous NFL drafts, following earlier acquisitions of wide receiver George Pickens and offensive tackle Broderick Jones.
Both Porter and Pickens are represented by agent David Mulugheta, noting a connection to past front-office negotiations in Dallas. Yahoo Sports reported that owner Jerry Jones experienced a standoff with the same agent last year during discussions that led to the trade of defensive end and linebacker Micah Parsons.
Cowboys Front Office Pursues Roster Upgrades Amid Secondary Injuries
The Cowboys sit at a 1-2 record after losing multiple players in the secondary. ESPN previously reported that Dallas began making inquiries for the defensive back as injuries mounted, though Christian Parker’s defensive system relies heavily on zone coverage.
Some analysts questioned whether the cornerback fits the defensive scheme in Dallas. The Landry Hat pointed out that Porter specializes in man coverage, utilizing his length to disrupt routes at the line of scrimmage rather than playing primarily in zone assignments.
Cowboys deplete future draft resources in latest trade
It remains unclear whether Porter will play on the final year of his rookie deal or if a contract extension is immediately forthcoming in Dallas. The trade further depletes future draft resources for the Cowboys, who already parted ways with draft capital in previous deals for Quinnen Williams, Rashan Gary, George Pickens, and Broderick Jones.
Neither team formally announced the trade Wednesday night prior to AP’s sourcing confirming the agreement. Porter was scheduled to miss Thursday Night Football against Cleveland regardless of the roster move, and two other Steelers cornerbacks—Jalen Ramsey and Brandin Echols—entered the matchup listed as questionable.
Steelers receive draft picks and trade Joey Porter Jr. to Cowboys
What draft picks are the Steelers receiving in the trade?
The Pittsburgh Steelers are receiving a sixth-round draft pick in 2027 and a second-round draft pick in 2028 from the Dallas Cowboys.
Why did the Steelers rule Joey Porter Jr. out before the trade?
Pittsburgh ruled Porter out for the Week 4 Thursday Night Football game against the Cleveland Browns because his back became a problem during Wednesday’s practice.
Which other former Steelers players have the Cowboys acquired via trade?
Prior to acquiring Joey Porter Jr., the Dallas Cowboys traded for wide receiver George Pickens and offensive tackle Broderick Jones from Pittsburgh.
What is Joey Porter Jr.’s contract status with his new team?
As of the initial trade agreement reported by AP sources, it remains unconfirmed whether the Cowboys have finalized a contract extension with Porter, who is playing out the final year of his rookie deal.