A popular potential trade target among Lions fans is no longer an option.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have traded cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys. Netflix's Tom Pelissero was the first to report the trade.
Per multiple reports, the Cowboys are sending a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick in order to acquire the coveted cornerback. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the Lions and Giants also showed interest, but it was the Cowboys that were most persistent.
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
In three seasons thus far, Porter has registered 165 tackles, 31 pass breakups and three interceptions
in 47 career games with 41 starts. The 6-foot-2, 193-pound corner hasn't played this season as he's dealt with a back injury, though many questioned if Porter's absence was more contractually concerned.
As a second-round pick of the Steelers in the 2023 NFL Draft, Porter is in the final year of his rookie contract and was seeking an extension. Porter and the Steelers couldn't reach an agreement on an extension before the season, and Pittsburgh doesn't negotiate during the season.
One report indicated that Porter turned down a contract offer from Pittsburgh that would have paid him just north of $27 million.
Per Schultz, Dallas will not immediately extend Porter's contract. The plan is to have Porter play and make an impact, and the contract will take care of itself from there.
The Lions' defense currently ranks 31st in total defense (416.7 yards per game) and dead last in both passing defense (299.3 passing yards per game) and scoring defense (31.7 points per game). Detroit's secondary remains a major roster deficiency, but Lions general manager Brad Holmes will have to look in another direction at corner if the organization wants to utilize the trade market before the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. ET.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Cowboys finalize Joey Porter Jr. trade with Pittsburgh Steelers
