George Pickens delivers in first season with Dallas Cowboys offense
George Pickens had a successful first season as a Dallas Cowboys offensive weapon in 2025.
Event / Sports
NFL 2025-26 Season
Dallas Cowboys acquire cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from Pittsburgh Steelers for draft picks ahead of November 10 trade deadline. Multiple NFL teams pursue defensive talent as part of mid-season roster adjustments during the 2025-26 season.
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2026-10-03 to 2026-10-31 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 3 Oct, 01:48 UTC
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What happened
Joey Porter Jr. cites family Cowboys fandom as motivation for Dallas move
Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. stated that his entire family has grown up as Dallas Cowboys fans, making the trade to Dallas feel like a full-circle moment for them. Porter expressed excitement about joining the team and working with defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
Dallas Cowboys rank poorly in defensive statistics heading into Week 4
As of Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys defense ranked 30th in the NFL in total yards allowed per game and 25th in points allowed per game. The defense has struggled in critical game moments, allowing late-game scoring drives in losses to the New York Giants (Week 1) and Baltimore Ravens (Week 3).
Dallas Cowboys have used multiple draft picks for recent acquisitions from Pittsburgh Steelers
The Dallas Cowboys have traded away significant draft capital for recent acquisitions from the Pittsburgh Steelers, including defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, pass-rusher Rashan Gary, wide receiver George Pickens, and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. As a result of these trades, Dallas has only four picks remaining in the 2027 draft, including no picks in the third, fifth, or sixth rounds.
Dallas Cowboys own 1-2 record through first three weeks of 2026 NFL season
The Dallas Cowboys began the 2026 NFL season with a record of 1 win and 2 losses through Week 3. The Cowboys lost to the New York Giants 28-20 in Week 1 and to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3, with their next game scheduled against the 0-3 Houston Texans on Sunday in Week 4.
Detroit Lions secondary dealing with injuries and roster changes
The Detroit Lions' secondary has faced significant challenges in 2026, with safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph both on the physically unable to perform list. Top cornerback Terrion Arnold, a first-round pick in 2024, was released by the Lions in June after being arrested on felony charges of armed robbery and kidnapping. Detroit has moved forward with D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin as starting outside cornerbacks.
Dallas Cowboys trade for cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from Pittsburgh Steelers
The Dallas Cowboys acquired cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round draft pick and a 2028 second-round draft pick. Porter had been holding out for a new contract with the Steelers and was dealing with a reported back injury. The trade occurred ahead of Week 4 of the 2026 NFL season.
Cowboys cornerbacks Cobie Durant and Shavon Revel unavailable due to injury
Dallas Cowboys cornerbacks Cobie Durant and Shavon Revel Jr. were both on the injured list heading into Week 4 of the 2026 season, with Durant already ruled out for the upcoming game against the Houston Texans. This injury situation at cornerback contributed to the Cowboys' decision to acquire Joey Porter Jr.
Dallas Cowboys emphasize win-now mentality for 2026 season
Throughout summer 2026, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and others associated with the team openly discussed embracing a "Super Bowl or bust" mentality for the season. In August, Prescott stated that his sense of urgency regarding pursuing a Super Bowl title had never been higher. The Cowboys' aggressive trade strategy reflects this commitment to competing immediately.
Detroit Lions pursued Joey Porter Jr. in trade negotiations before Cowboys acquisition
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell revealed that the Lions were actively pursuing a trade for cornerback Joey Porter Jr. before the Dallas Cowboys acquired him. Campbell stated that general manager Brad Holmes had been working on the potential trade for an extended period, but the Cowboys ultimately completed the deal.
Detroit Lions rank last in NFL in scoring defense through three weeks
Through Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season, the Detroit Lions ranked last in the NFL in scoring defense, allowing 31.7 points per game, as well as last in pass defense, averaging 299.3 passing yards allowed per game. The Lions are 31st in total defense with 416.7 yards surrendered per game.
George Pickens experienced successful first season with Dallas Cowboys in 2025
Wide receiver George Pickens, who was traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Dallas Cowboys in 2025, recorded the best season of his career with Dallas in 2025. The Cowboys hope that the acquisition of cornerback Joey Porter Jr. will produce similar positive results, with Porter potentially finding his best form with the new team.
NFL trade deadline set for November 10, 2026
The NFL trade deadline for the 2026 season is scheduled for November 10 at 4 p.m. ET. Teams have until this date to complete trades and acquisitions for the remainder of the season.
Joey Porter Jr. joins Dallas Cowboys as third recent acquisition from Pittsburgh Steelers
With the acquisition of Joey Porter Jr., the Dallas Cowboys have now traded for three players from the Pittsburgh Steelers in recent years. Previously, Dallas acquired wide receiver George Pickens in 2025 and offensive tackle Broderick Jones in August 2026. Porter Jr. is the son of iconic Steelers linebacker Joey Porter.
Joey Porter Jr. compiled strong statistical record with Pittsburgh Steelers
During three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers after being selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Joey Porter Jr. started 41 of 47 regular-season games he appeared in. He recorded 165 tackles, 31 passes defended, three interceptions, and one sack during his time with Pittsburgh.
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2 alternative perspectives
Lions pursue Porter Jr. while ranking last in scoring defense
Lions pursued Porter Jr. before Cowboys trade, as Detroit ranks last in scoring defense with secondary injury issues.
Cowboys defense struggles early despite aggressive roster moves
Cowboys defense ranks poorly early despite acquisitions and win-now emphasis.
Cowboys acquire cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from Steelers
Cowboys acquire cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from Steelers in ongoing trade partnership.