Cowboys Acquire Steelers Cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

The Dallas Cowboys have announced a significant trade in their midseason strategy, acquiring cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers. This move was confirmed by the Cowboys on Thursday morning.

Details of the trade include Dallas sending a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick to Pittsburgh. The news of the trade was initially broken by Tom Pelissero of The Ringer on Wednesday night.

Joey Porter Jr. was drafted by the Steelers with the 32nd pick in 2023. Over three seasons, he contributed significantly to the team with 165 tackles, 31 pass breakups, and three interceptions across 47 games. His performance last season, documented by Pro Football Reference, showed a 48.5% completion rate allowed and a 57.2 quarterback rating in coverage. He also recorded his first career sack during their Week 9 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

This season, Porter has not yet taken the field, partly due to a contract standoff with the Steelers. Additionally, he has been dealing with a back injury, leading to his exclusion from Thursday’s matchup against the Cleveland Browns. However, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, there is a possibility he could debut with the Cowboys this Sunday against the Houston Texans.

“Here I come … Dallas,” commented Porter on Instagram.

The addition of Porter strengthens a Dallas defense that has been struggling. The team has allowed an NFC-high 72.6% completion rate over three games and has yet to make an interception. With a record of 1-2, the team has conceded an average of 27.3 points per game.

The Cowboys’ secondary has faced challenges, with cornerback Cobie Durant out due to a hamstring injury. Additionally, Shavon Revel Jr., who had an impressive start before a torn ACL last year, is now recovering from another knee injury sustained in last week’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.