Steelers Trade Joey Porter Jr. to Cowboys for 2028 Second-Round Pick

Contract Dispute and Trade to Dallas

The deal comes after months of speculation and failed negotiations between Porter and the Pittsburgh front office. After being selected with a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Porter is playing in the final year of his rookie deal.

Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan had reiterated on Aug. 31 that the team does not deal with extensions during the season, and no deal was completed when the Steelers took on the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. Multiple NFL insiders, including The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero, reported on Wednesday night that Porter is headed to the Cowboys for draft compensation. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported the Cowboys are sending a second-round pick and a conditional sixth-round pick to Pittsburgh. Yahoo Sports’ Jori Epstein confirmed that the Steelers are receiving a 2028 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round selection from the Cowboys.

Porter has not played this season. He has been listed with a back injury, but many believed his contract situation was the primary reason for his absence. The 26-year-old Porter has been inactive in each of the Steelers’ first three games due to a back issue. He was listed as out for Pittsburgh’s game against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday despite being a full participant at practice this week. Porter previously told reporters he hasn’t requested a trade out of Pittsburgh, and steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. told reporters on Thursday that he does expect to play at some point this season despite his contract dispute. Porter gave some honest answers about his contract situation when talking to reporters on Thursday. He was asked how he felt after negotiations broke down before the regular season. It didn't get done, it didn't happen. That's really just on that, Porter said.

Steelers evaluate trade inquiries for Joey Porter Jr.

If there’s any player who knows what Joey Porter Jr. is going through with the Pittsburgh Steelers, it’s Le’Veon Bell. And the former Steelers running back has come to Porter’s defense amid the contract controversy in Pittsburgh. Taking to social media to defend Bell called out the Steelers for refusing to deviate from the team’s policies regarding contract negotiations.

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Man, I hope the Steelers just pay JPJ, Bell wrote via X. At some point things gotta change.

Cowboys Secondary Roster Shuffling and Immediate Outlook

The Dallas Cowboys’ secondary has been ravaged by injuries throughout the first three weeks of the regular season, with three starters and two key contributors sidelined for multiple weeks. Among the injured defensive backs are safeties Jalen Thomas, Malik Hooker, and P.J. Locke, along with cornerbacks Cobie Durant and Shavon Revel Jr. With so many injuries plaguing the Cowboys’ secondary, it should come as no surprise that the team is looking to add depth and improve. One name that continues to pop up is someone who has been linked to the team since the 2023 draft. Enter Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

Porter is heading to a Cowboys team that is currently dealing with injuries to starting cornerback Cobie Durant. Durant is dealing with a hamstring strain and is not expected to face the Texans in Week 4. Dallas’ defense is currently ranked 25th in the NFL in points allowed, 32nd in third-down efficiency, and 21st in red-zone efficiency.

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Dallas owner and general manager Jerry Jones acknowledged ongoing discussions to upgrade the roster prior to the trade’s finalization.

“I’ll just say we’re right on top of it. We’re very aware of the moving parts out here. We should be, and communication is a big part of that. Communication at all levels — at my level, at Stephen [Jones’] level, at the scouts’ level. We all have contacts,” Jones said. This is a time when you really can have discussions and they can be productive.

Jordan Schultz reported that Dallas does not plan to sign Porter to an extension immediately. Porter, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, has missed the first three games of the season with a back issue, raising concerns about his future with the Steelers.