Steelers trade CB Joey Porter Jr. to Cowboys after failed contract negotiations

The Pittsburgh Steelers have finalized a deal to trade cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. Porter, who was selected with the 32nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is in his final year of his rookie contract. The trade comes after negotiations for a contract extension between Porter and the Steelers were unsuccessful.

Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan had stated that the team does not handle extensions during the season, and no deal was completed following the Steelers' Week 1 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Porter did not play in the season-opening victory, with many speculating that his contract situation may have influenced his absence. The cornerback was likely seeking a deal comparable to top players at his position, but following the signing of Christian Gonzalez (4-year, $135 million) and Devon Witherspoon (4-year, $132 million), Pittsburgh decided against pursuing a record-setting contract and opted for a trade instead.

Porter was drafted as the 32nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, with the Miami Dolphins forfeiting their selection due to tampering allegations. As a rookie, Porter played in all 17 games, starting in 11, recording 43 total tackles, 1 interception, and 10 passes defended. Over his three-year career, Porter has amassed 165 combined tackles, 3 interceptions, and 31 passes defended.

The cornerback, son of former NFL player Joey Porter, played linebacker from 1999 to 2011 for the Steelers, Miami Dolphins, and Arizona Cardinals. His career totals include 689 total tackles, 12 interceptions, and 188 games played.