Steelers trading CB Joey Porter Jr. to Cowboys after contract impasse

The Steelers and Cowboys are finalizing a deal that sends cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to Dallas, per Tom Pelissero.

Compensation:

Dallas Receives

• Joey Porter Jr.

Pittsburgh Receives

• 2028 2nd-round pick
• 2027 6th-round pick

The trade ends a months-long standoff between Porter and Pittsburgh over a contract extension. The two sides were at an impasse, with the cornerback market reset twice this offseason and Porter seeking a new deal while the Steelers held to their policy of not negotiating contracts during the regular season. The core sticking point was structure and guaranteed money, and at one point a source told ESPN, "I don't know if he ever puts on a Steelers uniform again."

Porter has not played this season, working through a prolonged ramp-up from a back injury that has kept him inactive for three straight games. He had said he "definitely" would play for the Steelers in 2026 without an extension, but his future in Pittsburgh had been a topic of heavy speculation, with the Cowboys and Lions among the teams making trade inquiries.

For Dallas, the move is the latest in an aggressive overhaul under owner Jerry Jones, who has said he's going all in this season.

The Cowboys have been thin at cornerback, with starter Cobie Durant sidelined by a hamstring injury, and Porter gives the secondary a physical, press-man presence. Jones has been willing to part with future picks to improve the team, and this deal continues that push.

Porter Jr. was ruled out of Thursday's game against the Browns with a back injury, and his future in Pittsburgh had been a topic of speculation in recent weeks.