Cowboys acquire cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from Steelers in trade

Dallas receives the rookie cornerback while Pittsburgh gets future draft picks, ending a stalled contract extension.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 01 Oct 2026 05:03:48 GMT

The Dallas Cowboys have completed a trade for Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., according to NFL insiders, sending a 2027 sixth‑round and a 2028 second‑round pick to Pittsburgh.

What happened

The deal was reported on Wednesday night, October 1, 2026. Joey Porter Jr., who is in the final year of his rookie contract and has not played a snap this season, will join Dallas. In return, the Steelers will receive a sixth‑round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft and a second‑round pick in 2028.

What the reports add

Both New York Post and Bleacher Report cite NFL insider Tom Pelissero as the source of the trade details.
Bleacher Report notes the Cowboys will not sign Porter to an extension immediately and will play out the remainder of his $4.9 million cap‑hit for 2026.
Porter was placed on the physically‑unable‑to‑perform (PUP) list in early August after aggravating a back injury and missed the first three games of the season.
The Steelers received a 2027 sixth‑round pick and a 2028 second‑rounder; the trade helps a Cowboys defense that is allowing 27.3 points per game and ranked 25th in the league.
Porter was the 32nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and has recorded 165 tackles, three interceptions and 31 passes defended in three seasons.
Bleacher Report adds that ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Cowboys were in a bidding war with teams such as the Detroit Lions before winning the cornerback.
The Cowboys have been bolstering their defense this season, acquiring defensive linemen Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams and Rashan Gary, and drafting safety Caleb Downs and linebacker Malachi Lawrence in the 2026 draft.

What was said

“I’ll just say we’re right on top of it… Communication at all levels — at my level, at Stephen’s level, at the scouts’ level. We all have contacts,”

Dallas owner Jerry Jones told 105.3 The Fan, as reported by the New York Post.

“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.”

Additional remarks from Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, reported by both outlets, said the team had reached an “impasse” in contract talks with Porter.

How it came about

Negotiations for a contract extension stalled after the Steelers missed the Week 1 deadline to finalize a new deal, a situation previously reported by Felo News on September 29, 2026. The Cowboys had shown interest in Porter for several weeks, and the trade follows earlier rumors that Dallas was competing with other teams, including the Detroit Lions, for his services.

Key facts

Dallas received cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from Pittsburgh. (nypost.com)
Pittsburgh will receive a 2027 sixth‑round and a 2028 second‑round draft pick. (nypost.com)
Porter is in the final year of his rookie contract with a $4.9 million cap hit. (bleacherreport.com)
Porter missed the first three games of the 2026 season due to a back injury and was on the PUP list. (bleacherreport.com)
Jerry Jones said the Cowboys are “right on top of it” regarding the trade. (nypost.com)

Background

Dallas had been in active trade talks for Porter, as reported by Felo News on September 29, 2026 (id=6abbd3bb88ce557cbd7ab14c). The Cowboys were ranked 30th in yards allowed at that time and had recently added defensive linemen Quinnen Williams, Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark.