The Dallas Cowboys are making a serious leap of faith by trading for former Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., expecting him to play without a new contract. And get this: they’ve actually tied a 2027 sixth-round pick directly to that gamble. This isn’t just a standard trade, folks, there are some serious contingencies in play.
The Conditional Pick That Could Disappear
Here’s where it gets wild. That 2027 sixth-round pick the Cowboys sent over? It’s totally dependent on Porter actually showing up. We’re talking about him being on the gameday roster for at least two games before that pick officially goes through to the Steelers. If Porter, for whatever reason, doesn’t hit that two-game mark, the Cowboys keep their pick. That’s a huge protection for Dallas, showing they’re not messing around with potential “hold-ins” or lingering issues. It’s a smart move to safeguard their future draft capital.
More Picks, More Contingencies, Same Bet
Now, while the 2028 second-round pick involved in the trade isn’t attached to this same gameday caveat, the Cowboys still have another layer of protection. If Porter ends up leaving as a free agent in March, Dallas is in line for a 2028 third-round compensatory pick. So, they’re not just hoping he plays, they’re also accounting for his long-term future with the team. It’s all about risk management when you’re dealing with a player of Porter’s caliber and potential contract situations.
So, what’s the immediate play here? If Porter suits up right away for Sunday’s game against the Texans, that two-game term for the 2027 sixth-round pick will most likely be satisfied pretty quickly. But here’s the kicker: what if those “back” and “conditioning” issues that have been floating around actually linger? If he can’t get on the field for those two games, the Cowboys get to hold onto their 2027 sixth-rounder. That’s a huge “if” hanging over this deal right now, and it makes Sunday’s game against the Texans must-watch for Cowboys fans. Will Porter be out there, or will Dallas keep that pick? We’ll know soon enough.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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