Jerry Jones did in fact have another trade for a defender up his sleeve, as the Dallas Cowboys traded draft picks to the Pittsburgh Steelers for fourth-year cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
Dallas is giving up a second-round pick in 2028 and a sixth-round pick in 2027, with the latter pick being contingent on Porter playing two games or more this season with the Cowboys.
Joey Porter Jr. injury, contract
Porter, in the final year of his rookie contract, hasn’t played this year with what has officially been listed as a back injury but also appears to be a contract holdout over a potential extension. Dallas has not had talks with Porter about an extension. Porter put up an Instagram post after the trade that said,
“Here I come … Dallas.”
Porter started 41 games and had three interceptions in three seasons, but sat out all of training camp and the preseason this year after reporting issues with his back. He was put on the physically unable to perform list until roster cutdown day in late August.
Porter was inactive for the Steelers' first four games, including the Thursday night game at the Browns. The Steelers added a back injury to Wednesday's practice report in addition to the "not injury related-conditioning" description the team has been using. Porter had been a full participant in the team's Monday and Tuesday walkthroughs.
He is due to make $3.9 million in base salary this year. The contract issue between him and the Steelers has been reported to be over guaranteed money in his next contract.
Dallas desperately needs cornerback help, as that was one of the weak spots on a poor defense and now is missing Cobie Durant due to injury. Shavon Revel has also picked up an injury and has been limited in practice this week.
This trade comes more than a year after Dallas traded draft picks to the Steelers for receiver George Pickens.
Bret Bloomquist can be reached at bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @Bretbloomquist on X.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Dallas Cowboys land Joey Porter Jr. as injuries test secondary
