Dallas Cowboys Acquire Joey Porter Jr. from Pittsburgh Steelers

The Dallas Cowboys have secured a noteworthy midseason trade, acquiring cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers. This move was finalized with the Cowboys giving up a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick to the Steelers.

Tom Pelissero of The Ringer initially reported the trade on Wednesday night, which was confirmed by the Cowboys on Thursday morning.

Joey Porter Jr., the son of former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter Sr., spent three seasons with the Steelers. Drafted with the No. 32 pick in 2023, he has made significant contributions on the field. Throughout 47 games, Porter recorded 165 tackles, 31 pass breakups, and three interceptions.

According to Pro Football Reference, Porter Jr. allowed a 48.5% completion rate and a 57.2 quarterback rating in coverage last season. He also achieved his first career sack in a Week 9 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

This season, he has yet to make an appearance due to a contract standoff with the Steelers and a back injury. Despite these setbacks, sources informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter there’s a possibility that the 26-year-old player may debut for the Cowboys this Sunday against the Houston Texans.

With an NFC-high 72.6% completion rate allowed over three weeks, the Cowboys’ defense is in need of reinforcements. The team has started the season with a 1-2 record, allowing 27.3 points per game and failing to intercept a pass so far.

The Cowboys were seeking secondary depth following a hamstring injury to cornerback Cobie Durant and further complications with Shavon Revel Jr., who injured his knee last Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.

Joey Porter Jr. showed his enthusiasm for the trade on social media, posting an Instagram story captioned, “Here I come … Dallas.”