The Dallas Cowboys have completed a significant trade, acquiring cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The deal, confirmed Thursday morning, involves the Cowboys sending a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick to the Steelers. This transaction was initially reported by Tom Pelissero from The Ringer on Wednesday evening.
Joey Porter Jr., drafted by the Steelers as the No. 32 pick in 2023, played three seasons with the team. Over 47 games, he amassed 165 tackles, 31 pass breakups, and three interceptions. Last season, according to Pro Football Reference, he allowed a 48.5% completion rate and recorded a 57.2 quarterback rating in coverage. Additionally, he achieved his first career sack in a Week 9 victory against the Indianapolis Colts.
This season, Porter has yet to play due to a contract dispute with the Steelers. The team had also ruled him out for Thursday’s matchup with the Cleveland Browns due to a back injury. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that there is a possibility Porter could debut for the Cowboys this Sunday against the Houston Texans.
Porter joins a Dallas defense that has struggled, allowing an NFC-high 72.6% completion rate through the first three weeks. The Cowboys, with a 1-2 record, have conceded 27.3 points per game and remain among four teams without an interception. Dallas sought to strengthen their secondary, especially with cornerback Cobie Durant sidelined by a hamstring injury. Additionally, Shavon Revel Jr., recovering from a torn ACL in his rookie season, injured his other knee in an international loss to the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday.
In response to the trade, Porter shared on Instagram, “Here I come … Dallas.”