# 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.
- Title: Cowboys trade for Porter Jr. to boost defense · CBS Sports
- Summary: Cowboys acquire Joey Porter Jr. for 2027 and 2028 picks to strengthen defense ahead of Jones' 84th birthday. Dallas Cowboys trade Pittsburgh Steelers' Joey…
- Keywords: cowboys, joey porter jr, pittsburgh steelers, nfl, jersey, defensive coordinator, sports, trade, Porter, boost, defense, CBS Sports
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nfl/news/why-the-cowboys-traded-for-cb-joey-porter-jr
- Published: 2026-10-01T11:25:09+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: cowboys, joey porter jr, pittsburgh steelers, nfl, jersey, defensive coordinator, 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.
## Key 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.