Joey Porter Jr. Trade Would Complete Cowboys’ Defensive Overhaul

Jerry Jones was frustrated with the Dallas Cowboys defense in 2025 and vowed to fix the issues this offseason. Entering Week 2 of the NFL preseason, it's hard to argue that Jones hasn't held true to his promise.

The Cowboys' defense has been completely revamped, beginning with the hiring of first-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker. From there, they re-tooled the roster by trading for veteran EDGE Rashan Gary and linebacker Dee Winters while also signing defensive backs Jalen Thompson, Cobie Durant, and P.J. Locke in free agency.

Once they entered camp, Jones said they would continue looking for help, which they did by signing Von Miller. They've continued to say they're open to more moves if the right situation presented itself, which may have just happened.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz says Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is a name that has been floated in trade rumors. Schultz says Porter is entering the final year of his rookie deal and with cornerback contract skyrocketing, the Steelers might prefer trading Porter rather than paying him a massive deal.

Joey Porter Jr. would be an instant upgrade to Cowboys secondary

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. takes the field for a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium. | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Porter, who was heavily scouted by the Cowboys ahead of the 2023 NFL draft, is coming off a stellar campaign. Porter had 52 tackles, 14 pass defenses, and one interception while earning a PFF grade of 67.6 overall and a 74.1 in coverage.

He proved to be a shutdown corner, holding opposing quarterbacks to a rating of 57.2 when they targeted him. That was a major jump for Porter, who has been an ascending talent for years and is set to enter his prime.

Adding a player of his caliber would give Dallas a legit CB1, which would take pressure off of DaRon Bland, who has struggled with durability, and Shavon Revel, who has a lot of expectations being placed on him in year two.

Would a trade make sense for Dallas?

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker with head coach Brian Schottenheimer at training camp. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The real question isn't whether Porter can help the Cowboys, but if it would be a wise move to trade for him.

If Pittsburgh were interested in moving him, it wouldn't be for nothing. Dallas got a steal in 2025 when they sent a third-round pick to the Steelers for George Pickens, but that wasn't just a case of Pickens being in the final year of his deal. He also had concerns about his maturity and didn't truly explode until he landed in Dallas.

As for Porter, he has already begun to explode and comes with no concerns. Adding him would likely cost a second-round pick at the very least and then Dallas would need to decide if they can re-sign him. Considering the recent hike in cornerback salaries, that feels unlikley. For that reason, Dallas sending a premium pick for a one-year rental only makes sense if they believe he's the missing piece to a Super Bowl run.

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