Steelers Trade Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to Cowboys

Contract dispute leads to trade

The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to trade cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys. In exchange, Pittsburgh receives a 2027 sixth round draft pick and a 2028 second round pick.

The move closes a long dispute over Porter's contract extension. The main disagreement was about the guaranteed money in the proposed deal. Talks lasted until just hours before the opening game against the Atlanta Falcons, but Pittsburgh broke off discussions because the franchise has a firm policy against negotiating contracts during the regular season.

Secondary injuries and previous deals

Porter missed training camp and the preseason after aggravating a back injury during a workout on the opening day of camp. He was inactive for the first three games of the season and was ruled out of the game against the Cleveland Browns. Across three seasons in Pittsburgh, Porter started 41 games and grabbed three interceptions. Pittsburgh will now rely on Asante Samuel Jr., Jamel Dean, and Daylen Everette to cover outside receiver positions.

Dallas needed reinforcements after multiple injuries in their secondary. Cobie Durant is expected to sit out his second game with a hamstring strain, while Shavon Revel suffered knee and ankle injuries against the Baltimore Ravens.

This trade marks the third agreement between the two teams over the past two years. Dallas previously traded for receiver George Pickens in May 2025 and offensive tackle Broderick Jones in August.