Porter Jr. settles into Cowboys role through early season
Porter Jr. posts early statistics with Cowboys after trade and contract resolution.
Event / Sports
NFL 2025-26 Season
Coverage of the 2025-2026 NFL season including trades, player movements, team roster changes, and related league developments.
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3 articles0 articles
2026-10-01 to 2026-10-31 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 1 Oct, 07:18 UTC
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What happened
Joey Porter Jr. ruled out for Steelers game due to contract dispute
The Pittsburgh Steelers ruled out Joey Porter Jr. on Wednesday for Thursday night's game against the Cleveland Browns. The reported back injury was attributed to the contract standoff. Porter never suited up for the Steelers again after this ruling, making clear he would not play for Pittsburgh.
Joey Porter Jr. 2025 NFL season statistics through October
Through the first three games of the 2025 NFL season, Joey Porter Jr. recorded one interception and 14 pass breakups. He was also credited with 165 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and three interceptions across his three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, starting 41 of 47 games played.
Steelers receive second-round and sixth-round draft picks in Porter trade
As compensation for Joey Porter Jr., the Pittsburgh Steelers received a second-round draft pick (arriving in 2028) and a sixth-round draft pick (arriving in 2027). The delayed nature of these selections means Pittsburgh will not see the draft capital for one to two years.
Pittsburgh Steelers trade cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to Dallas Cowboys
The Pittsburgh Steelers traded cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys late Wednesday night. The Cowboys receive a cornerback described as a bona fide No. 1 cornerback. The trade was confirmed by Tom Pelissero of Netflix and The Ringer. This marks the second major trade between the two NFL franchises.
Joey Porter Jr. willing to play for Cowboys without contract extension
Joey Porter Jr. is reportedly willing to play for the Dallas Cowboys without a new contract extension in place. He will play out the final year of his existing deal with Dallas. This indicates the relationship between Porter and the Pittsburgh Steelers had deteriorated significantly.
Dallas Cowboys acquire cornerback help in trade amid secondary concerns
The Dallas Cowboys acquired Joey Porter Jr. to address secondary depth just three games into the 2025 season. The Cowboys had focused on defensive secondary improvements in free agency and the draft during the offseason. Adding Porter bolsters their cornerback position.
Joey Porter Jr. contract dispute with Pittsburgh Steelers
Joey Porter Jr. and the Pittsburgh Steelers disagreed on contract terms. The Steelers' last offer to Porter was approximately $27 million average per year, which Porter rejected. Porter was seeking compensation at or above $30 million per year. The Steelers maintained a strict no-negotiation policy once the regular season began, preventing further discussions.
Joey Porter Jr. drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023
Joey Porter Jr. was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft at No. 32 overall. He is a Pennsylvania native who played college football at Penn State University. He earned a top-five finish for Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023.
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2 alternative perspectives
Porter Jr. agrees to play for Cowboys despite contract impasse
Porter Jr. willing to play for Cowboys despite unresolved contract extension dispute.
Steelers trade cornerback Porter Jr. to Cowboys for draft picks
Steelers trade Joey Porter Jr. to Cowboys for second and sixth-round picks.