The Pittsburgh Steelers have traded cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys (opens in new tab) for a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick, the Cowboys announced Thursday, according to ESPN (opens in new tab). A source told ESPN (opens in new tab) that the 2027 pick carries conditions requiring Porter to be on the Cowboys’ game-day roster for two games. NFL.com (opens in new tab) said NFL Network’s Jane Slater reported the deal and that Tom Pelissero of The Ringer reported it first.
Porter, 26, is in the final year of his rookie contract. According to sources who spoke to ESPN (opens in new tab), his dispute with the Steelers was over guaranteed money, and the team stopped talks because it does not negotiate during the regular season. Porter was inactive for Pittsburgh’s first three games and had been ruled out of the Steelers’ game against the Browns, ESPN (opens in new tab) reported. ESPN (opens in new tab) reported that he had been limited in every regular-season practice until earlier this week and was a full participant in Monday’s and Tuesday’s walkthroughs. The Cowboys’ website also described him as a full participant this week.
After the deal, Porter posted on Instagram: “Here I come ... Dallas.” A 2023 second-round pick out of Penn State, he has made 41 starts in three seasons, with three interceptions, according to ESPN (opens in new tab) and the Cowboys’ website. NFL.com (opens in new tab) reported his career totals as 165 tackles and 31 pass breakups. Fox News’ OutKick reported that last season he had one interception, 52 tackles and a sack.
Dallas is 1-2 and has no interceptions this season, NFL.com (opens in new tab) reported. The Cowboys are without cornerbacks Cobie Durant, who has a hamstring injury, and Shavon Revel, who has knee and ankle injuries, according to ESPN (opens in new tab) and the Cowboys’ website. Before the deal, asked on 105.3 The Fan about a possible trade, owner Jerry Jones said, without naming Porter because of tampering rules: “I'd just say we're right on top of it. We're very aware of the moving parts out here,” according to ESPN (opens in new tab). A league source told ESPN (opens in new tab) there is a “chance” Porter plays Sunday at Houston.
ESPN (opens in new tab) reported that this is the third trade between the Cowboys and Steelers in two years. The Cowboys’ website cited NextGenStats data showing Porter allowed 35 receptions on 66 targets for 412 yards and no touchdowns in 2025.