Cowboys Acquire Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from Steelers in Major Defensive Shake-up
Dallas strengthens secondary with a significant trade as owner Jerry Jones seeks immediate defensive improvements.
The Dallas Cowboys have acquired cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a significant move aimed at bolstering a struggling defense. In exchange for the 26-year-old cornerback, Pittsburgh will receive a sixth-round draft pick in 2027 and a second-round pick in 2028.
Porter has been inactive for the Steelers' first three games of the season due to a back issue. His absence also coincided with a contract dispute, as the fourth-year player was seeking an extension heading into the final year of his rookie deal.
A second-round pick out of Penn State in the 2023 NFL Draft, Porter was a notable contributor for the Steelers during his tenure. He ranked among the top 20 in the NFL in pass breakups over his first three seasons with 31, including two seasons with double-digit passes defended. Last season, he recorded two passes defended.
This trade marks the second major transaction between the Cowboys and Steelers in two years. Prior to the 2025 season, Pittsburgh traded receiver George Pickens to Dallas for draft picks. Pickens went on to have a Pro Bowl season in his debut with the Cowboys, setting career highs with 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. He is currently playing on a $27.3 million franchise tag.
The Cowboys' defense has faced significant challenges, ranking second-to-last in rushing defense and being one of four teams without an interception this season. The unit was also one of the league's worst in 2025. In a recent 34-31 loss to Baltimore, the defense allowed Lamar Jackson to complete a critical pass in the final seconds, leading to a game-winning field goal.
Dallas's defensive struggles have persisted despite the hiring of Christian Parker as a first-time defensive coordinator. In their season-opening loss to the New York Giants, the Cowboys' defense failed to secure stops in the second half, limiting the offense's possessions.
The acquisition of Porter comes as the Cowboys placed safety Jalen Thompson on injured reserve with a hamstring problem. The team also signed three defensive backs to their practice squad, with safety P.J. Locke already on injured reserve. Thompson and Locke were offseason additions intended to retool the secondary.