From CBS Sports · · 2m
Cowboys trade for Porter Jr. to boost defense
Cowboys acquire Joey Porter Jr. for 2027 and 2028 picks to strengthen defense ahead of Jones' 84th birthday.
In brief
Cowboys acquire Joey Porter Jr. for 2027 and 2028 picks to strengthen defense ahead of Jones' 84th birthday. Dallas Cowboys trade Pittsburgh Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. for a 2027 sixth-round pick and 2028 second-round pick to address defensive needs before Jerry Jones turns 84. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones teased a major move after the team's 37-20 Week 2 win over Washington Commanders.
Trade for Porter Jr. confirmed
Jones acquired cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick.
Porter Jr. contract status
Porter Jr. did not suit up for Steelers in first three weeks due to back and condition issues seeking long-term extension.
Porter Jr. current worth
Porter Jr. led NFL in passer rating against as primary defender in 2025 with 49.1 rating among 128 players.
Contract comparisons
Porter Jr. ranks ahead of Patrick Surtain II, Derek Stingley Jr. and Christian Gonzalez in recent high pay deals.
Cowboys cap space
Dallas has $20.8 million in cap space for 2026, with $13.1 million surplus to roll over to 2027 cap ledger.
Dallas defense struggles
Cowboys allow most points per game (29.7) and second-most total yards per game (378.5) since trading Micah Parsons.
Defensive stats
Cowboys allow 387 total yards per game with two sacks and no interceptions in first three games.
Dallas defense history
Cowboys defense has allowed 375-plus total yards per game with two or fewer sacks and no interceptions since 1963.
New defensive coordinator
Dallas hired Christian Parker as first-year defensive coordinator to turn defense around.
Porter Jr. on-field fit
Porter Jr. prefers one-on-one man-coverage but could adapt to zone coverage in Parker's scheme.
Cowboys roster churn
Dallas has 83% of defensive snaps from first or second-year players since trading Micah Parsons.
Free agency impact
Cowboys could franchise tag Porter Jr. if no deal by start of 2027 league year.
Next steps
Dallas aims to address defensive needs before Jones turns 84 on Oct. 13.
The takeaway
Dallas Cowboys trade Pittsburgh Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. for a 2027 sixth-round pick and 2028 second-round pick to address defensive needs before Jerry Jones turns 84.
