Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is proving to be a man of his word. He said he would trade a difference-making defensive player if would help the Cowboys make a run to the playoffs.
And did just that Wednesday night, acquiring cornerback Joey Porter Jr. in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick, per sources.
Porter Jr., entering the final season of his 2023 rookie contract, was seeking a new contract from the Steelers.
He did not get an extension from the Cowboys to go along with the trade.
Porter Jr. had missed each of the Steelers’ first three games this season due to a sore back that has complained about since training camp.
When he will be able to suit for the Cowboys is unknown.
But per a source, he could be on the field Sunday when the Cowboys play the Houston Texans, as long as his back feels good.
He has recently appeared on the Steelers’ practice report as being a full or limited participant due to conditioning, though he had already been ruled out the Steeler’s Thursday night game against the Cleveland Browns.
Porter is a welcomed addition to a woeful and now-injured riddled Cowboys defense in dire need of playmakers.
Look for him to start opposite DaRon Bland whenever he suits up for the Cowboys. Who plays cornerback Sunday for Dallas remains mystery. Cobie Durant, who started the first games opposite Bland, is out with strained hamstring.
Shavon Revel Jr, Durant’s replacement, suffered a right knee hyperextension and hamstring strain in last Sunday’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
His availability for the Texans won’t be determined until Thursday or Friday. The Cowboys were contemplating starting Ameer Speed or Caelen Carson against the Texans before the Porter trade.
The Cowboys had also signed cornerbacks Alex Austin and Tyrek Funderburk to practice squad on Wednesday.
But now Porter is here to save the day a Cowboys defense that ranks 30th in the NFL and one that has yet to record an interception.
Porter was taken 32nd overall to begin the second round in 2023 NFL Draft. He has recorded 41 starts in three seasons, 165 tackles, three interceptions and 31 pass breakups.
And he has not given up a touchdowns reception in more than two seasons.
Since Week 8 of 2023, Porter has had 1,400 consecutive coverage snaps without allowing another regular-season touchdown. He did not give up any passing touchdowns during the entire 2024 or 2025 seasons.
