Dallas Cowboys Acquire Joey Porter Jr. In Trade With Steelers

Steelers Trade Joey Porter Jr. to Cowboys

The Pittsburgh Steelers have traded cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys. In exchange, the Steelers will receive a 2027 sixth round pick and a 2028 second round pick. This marks the third trade between the two franchises in the last two years.

Porter, a second round pick in 2023, has not played this season due to a back injury. He had been locked in contract disputes with Pittsburgh since the offseason. The main disagreement was over the structure of a new deal. With both sides unable to find common ground, Porter wanted out.

Dallas Secures Needed Defensive Help

The Cowboys desperately need help in their defensive backfield. Cobie Durant is out with a hamstring injury, and Shavon Revel Jr. is dealing with knee and ankle issues. At safety, Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke are on injured reserve, while Malik Hooker is recovering from a fractured forearm.

Porter brings strong man to man coverage skills to Dallas. Since 2023, quarterbacks have completed just 56 percent of their passes when Porter was the nearest defender. There is a chance he could make his debut this Sunday against the Houston Texans.

How Pittsburgh Adjusts

The trade leaves a hole in the Pittsburgh secondary, but the team has options. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has used more zone coverage than man defense so far. Rookie third round pick Daylen Everette has already played significant snaps this season, filling in at outside cornerback. The Steelers also have plenty of draft capital to make future moves, holding eight picks in 2027 and an extra second round pick in 2028.

What it means for the next game

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns (NFL, Fri, 02 Oct): Cleveland Browns win 41%, Pittsburgh Steelers win 59%; projected score Cleveland Browns 19, Pittsburgh Steelers 20. Our safest pick: Browns +9.5.

Dallas Cowboys at Houston Texans (NFL, Sun, 04 Oct): Houston Texans win 55%, Dallas Cowboys win 45%; projected score Houston Texans 25, Dallas Cowboys 23. Our safest pick: Cowboys +10.