Who is Joey Porter Jr.? Steelers reportedly trade cornerback to Cowboys in exchange for sixth-round and second-round picks

In a major early-season trade, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is reportedly heading to the Dallas Cowboys after the two sides failed to work out a new contract. Dallas is acquiring the 26-year-old in exchange for a sixth-round pick in 2027 and a second-round selection in 2028, reported NFL Network. For the Cowboys, adding Porter could prove to be an important move as they look to fix a defense that has struggled to find consistency.

WHO IS JOEY PORTER JR.?

Porter comes from a family that is very much rooted in the NFL, particularly the Steelers club. He is the son of Joey Porter, who is an NFL All-Pro linebacker that played for the Steelers and helped them win the Super Bowl XL trophy in his incredibly successful career. Before joining the Steelers as their 32nd draft pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Porter Jr. made a name for himself at Penn State. Even though he is technically a second-round draft pick, he was the first to be chosen in that round.


Porter, who stands at 6-foot-2 and weighed 193 pounds, quickly becoming a key component in the Steelers' defensive backfield. In his first three years in the league, Porter amassed 165 tackles, 31 passes defensed, and three interceptions through 41 starts. Going into the 2026 season, Porter had one year left on his rookie deal. Porter wanted a long-term extension but failed to reach an agreement with the Steelers.

Porter was also struggling with an injury to his back which forced him onto the physically unable to perform list. As a result, Porter did not play in the first three regular season games for Pittsburgh before the trade news broke.

WHY DID THE STEELERS TRADE PORTER TO THE COWBOYS?

Porter’s contract situation appears to have been at the heart of his uncertain future in Pittsburgh. With the two sides unable to agree on an extension and the Steelers unwilling to continue negotiations during the season, Dallas emerged as his next destination. For the Cowboys, the move addresses an obvious need. Dallas has struggled defensively through the opening weeks of the season and has also dealt with injuries in its secondary.

Porter now joins a cornerback group featuring DaRon Bland, with Dallas hoping the former Steelers starter can provide an immediate boost. Interestingly, he isn’t the first member of Pittsburgh’s 2023 draft class to land in Dallas. The Cowboys also acquired offensive tackle Broderick Jones from the Steelers earlier this year.

For Porter, however, the move represents more than just a change of uniform. After three seasons carrying a famous family name in Pittsburgh, he now gets a fresh start in Dallas - with his next contract still very much part of the story.