The Dallas Cowboys made a big move on Wednesday night. According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero of The Ringer and Netflix, the Cowboys are trading for Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
Once finalized, Porter would solve one of the Cowboys’ biggest problems. Dallas’ defense struggled last season after trading star edge rusher Micah Parsons. During the 2025 season, the Cowboys acquired New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. That defensive makeover continued this offseason when they hired former Philadelphia Eagles secondary coach Christian Parker as the new defensive coordinator.
The Cowboys also added other veterans, such as former Packers edge rusher Rashan Gary, but those additions haven’t delivered the defensive success
Dallas envisioned yet. The Cowboys are currently 30th in total defense.
Trade! The Steelers and Cowboys are finalizing a deal sending CB Joey Porter Jr. to Dallas, sources tell @ringer @netflixsports. pic.twitter.com/yy9UlQHdZ3
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 1, 2026
Porter clashed with the Steelers over his contract. The son of Pittsburgh legend Joey Porter Sr., the younger Porter became eligible for an extension after last season. The Steelers were interested in retaining Porter, not as one of the NFL’s highest-paid cornerbacks. Porter has not played this season because of a back injury. He missed all of training camp and the preseason.
In three NFL seasons, the 26-year-old Porter has played in 47 games, recording 165 tackles, 31 passes defended, three interceptions and one sack.
The Cowboys’ cornerback room currently consists of DaRon Bland, Cobie Durant, Shavon Revel, Ameer Speed and Caelen Carson.
Porter’s addition could have ramifications for the rest of the NFC East, including the Washington Commanders. Washington also needs help at cornerback and was linked to Porter, but it doesn’t sound like the Commanders were ever interested in pursuing a trade. Other teams that were linked to a Porter trade were the New York Giants and Detroit Lions.
The Cowboys and Commanders are currently 1-2, while the Eagles and Giants are 2-1. The division appears more wide open than ever in 2026. Dallas owner/GM hasn’t been shy about saying he’ll do whatever it takes to bring the Cowboys another Super Bowl. The Dallas offense, led by quarterback Dak Prescott, is one of the NFL’s top offensive teams.
Dallas reportedly sent a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick to the Steelers for Porter.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Cowboys make big trade that could have ramifications for Commanders, NFC East
