Cowboys trade for Joey Porter Jr. as defensive gaps drive roster move
Dallas sent Pittsburgh two future draft picks for the cornerback, who is in the final year of his rookie deal and missed the Steelers’ first three games.
The Dallas Cowboys have acquired cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick, CBS Sports reported. The move comes as Dallas seeks to strengthen a defence that has struggled through the opening three games.
Porter is in the final year of his rookie contract and is due to become a free agent after the season. Reports cited contract tensions around an extension, while Pittsburgh listed back and conditioning issues as reasons for his absence. The available information does not establish a single confirmed cause.
Dallas has allowed 27.3 points per game through three weeks, according to CBS Sports. The outlet also reported that the Cowboys have conceded 387 yards per game, recorded two sacks and made no interceptions in that span.
Porter’s arrival adds a starting-calibre option to a secondary affected by injuries. CBS Sports reported that he led the NFL in passer rating allowed as the primary coverage defender in 2025, among players meeting its minimum pass-attempt threshold.
A Cowboys debut in Week 5 against Tampa Bay has been floated, but no lineup decision is confirmed. Dallas could seek a longer-term contract before Porter reaches free agency; any extension or other contract move remains unresolved.
