Grading the Trade: Dallas Cowboys get Joey Porter Jr. and latest intel makes it better than initially thought
The Dallas Cowboys pulled off a huge trade for Joey Porter Jr. and the details change everything about how it will be perceived.
The Dallas Cowboys did it. They’re trading for Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., according to The Ringer’s NFL insider Tom Pelissero.
It’s a huge trade as the star cornerback heads to a secondary in urgent and desperate need of help. Porter Jr. was in the middle of a contract dispute with the Steelers and has yet to debut in 2026 due to a “back injury.” Cowboys fans know about those when contracts are involved (wink, wink).
Let’s dive into what you should know about the trade and player, as well as why it’s a very smart move by Dallas.
Cowboys gave up 2028 capital
I was very much ready to call this trade irresponsible. But the compensation changes everything. I planned to use that word because let’s face it. One move isn’t enough to fix the Cowboys’ defense and this is going to be a costly deal (though Calvin Watkins from DMN reported Porter Jr. has yet to ask for an extension).
But here’s what the Cowboys are giving up: A 2028 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick, via Watkins.
That means the Cowboys are not banking their future on Porter Jr. and getting rid of all their 2027 picks. In fact, they’re comfortably sitting with a first and a second for 2027. So no mortgaging the 2027 NFL Draft and apparently not an extension? That’s a major win to land someone like Porter Jr.
Will it fix the defense? Not entirely. But the Cowboys know this is a true win-now window for them. Who knows how long they can keep George Pickens in Dallas and Dak Prescott is playing some of his best football ever. They’ve invested three first-round picks into the offensive line.
They have a truly special offense. I’m not going to complain about them being aggressive about capitalizing on it. Also, a second round pick and a sixth shouldn’t deviate the future of your franchise as long as you’re willing to spend on free agency.
Now, here’s the part that I love about this trade. The Cowboys could have used an edge rusher or a linebacker, too. Sure. But NFL teams are not in selling mode in Week 4. Porter Jr. is available now.
Trading for Porter Jr. is the single biggest move the Cowboys can make today. So they are. I’ve got to respect that.
Grading the trade
As for the player, we’re talking about one of the best in the business. He’s elite in man coverage, although a bit grabby at times. In 2025, he allowed a 55.9 passer rating, the third lowest in the NFL, per PFF. He gave up a Top 10 reception rate of 47.8%.
Questions exist about how he fits Parker’s scheme but I wouldn’t worry to much about it. Last year, Parker coached an Eagles secondary that led the NFL in man coverage rate. He should be able to adapt.
The cherry on top is this: The second-round pick the Cowboys are giving up is for the 2028 NFL Draft. That changes everything, as it leaves Dallas with plenty to work with in 2027.
I was ready to grade this much lower but the details on compensation and Porter Jr. reportedly not asking for an extension changes the entire picture.
GRADE: A-
