The Dallas Cowboys were expected to take a defensive leap under first-year coordinator Christian Parker, as new pieces such as Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark and Caleb Downs would have ample time to adjust to the scheme. It's been far from smooth sailing thus far.
Dallas ranks bottom 10 in both total defense and scoring defense. It's forced only two turnovers through three games, including one interception, while allowing Jaxson Dart and Lamar Jackson to set off fireworks in Weeks 1 and 3, respectively.
Jerry Jones apparently had enough. The Cowboys made a massive trade Wednesday night, acquiring cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2028 second-round pick and 2027 sixth-rounder.
Porter, 26, hasn't played this season amid
a contract standoff with the Steelers, but with a new deal possibly on the way, he's set to play a major role in the Cowboys' secondary. The 6-foot-2 boundary corner finished fifth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2023 and has been a dependable starter ever since. He'll fill a crucial need in Dallas as Cobie Durant and Shavon Revel Jr. have battled injuries.
Here's how the Cowboys' defensive depth chart could shake out following the Porter trade.
Updated Cowboys depth chart after Joey Porter Jr. trade
DE: Otito Ogbonnia, LT Overton
DT: Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Elijah Garcia
OLB: Rashan Gary, Dee Winters, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Von Miller, James Houston, Malachi Lawrence, Tyrus Wheat
MLB: DeMarvion Overshown, Jaishawn Barham, Justin Barron
CB: Joey Porter Jr., DaRon Bland, Caleb Downs, Cobie Durant, Shavon Revel Jr., Caelan Carson, Ameer Speed
SS: Markquese Bell, Alijah Clark
FS: Malik Hooker, Caleb Downs
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Updated Cowboys depth chart after Joey Porter Jr. trade
