The Dallas Cowboys, reeling after giving up seven passing touchdowns in their first three games, officially reached an agreement with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday for 26-year-old cornerback Joey Porter Jr. This is a massive move that came together fast, with the news hitting wires on Thursday, September 30.
Dallas Is Desperate For Defensive Help, And Porter’s a Big Gamble
According to Tom Pelissero, the Steelers are sending Porter Jr. to Dallas. Why the urgency from the Cowboys? That defensive backfield has been getting absolutely torched, letting opponents carve them up for seven scores through the air in just three games. To make matters worse, they’re staring down Week 4 without starting cornerback Cobie Durant, who’s sidelined with a hamstring injury. This is a move born out of immediate, undeniable need, but it’s a huge roll of the dice: Porter hasn’t played a single snap this season. He’s been holding out over a contract dispute after reportedly turning down an offer from the Steelers this offseason that would have paid him a little over $27 million in 2026. This isn’t just any player either, he’s the son of legendary Pro Bowl pass rusher Joey Porter, who played for the Steelers from 1999 to 2006.
What the Steelers Got For a Holdout Corner, And What’s Next
So, what did Pittsburgh get for their holdout cornerback? Dallas is reportedly sending a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick to the Steelers. Pelissero points out that Pittsburgh isn’t just getting draft capital, though. They’re also gaining “the freedom to focus their resources elsewhere.” That absolutely includes shutting down “the daily questions about whether Porter would take the field in a Steelers uniform again.” GM Omar Khan is known for being aggressive in the trade market, so don’t be surprised if he’s already looking to add another cornerback after clearing this situation and getting some future draft picks.
This trade clearly shakes things up for both squads as the season progresses. Keep your eyes peeled as we see how Joey Porter Jr. fits into that Cowboys’ defense, and what moves Pittsburgh might make next with their newfound flexibility.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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