Cowboys land Joey Porter Jr as Steelers' months-long contract saga ends

The Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has been traded to the Dallas Cowboys, ending the contract saga that lasted for months after the two franchises reached a decision on late Wednesday.

This marks the third trade between the Cowboys and Steelers in the past two years.

The Steelers get this trade in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round draft pick and a 2028 second-round pick.

Porter Jr. will not be able to sign the new contract, as the Dallas Cowboys want him to improve the defense, eyeing the playoffs and a Super Bowl triumph.

The trade brought the months-long saga to an end that stretched throughout the Steelers’ offseason as Porter awaited a contract extension.

Porter, who appeared in 41 games and had three interceptions in three seasons, was sidelined in the team's training camp and preseason after he complained of a back injury during the team's mobility workout.

He was moved to the physically unable to perform list until the roster deadline in late August.

In May 2025, the Cowboys released a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder to Pittsburgh in exchange for wide receiver George Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick.