Joey Porter Jr.'s illness invites speculation that it was contract related (even if it wasn't)

The sudden illness of cornerback Joey Porter Jr. that caused him to miss the Buccaneers-Cowboys game has sparked speculation that it was related to contract issues. This theory is fueled by Porter's history of declining to play due to back injuries, which he claims disappeared once he was traded from the Steelers to the Cowboys.

The back injury reappeared after he was traded, leading some, like Prime Video analyst Richard Sherman, to suggest that a new contract from the Cowboys could have kept him healthier. However, Porter had already received what he wanted from the Steelers — a trade out of Pittsburgh. If he continues to find excuses to not play, it may not benefit his long-term interests.

The Cowboys are reportedly keeping options open regarding tagging Porter, similar to their approach with receiver George Pickens, who received a franchise tag in 2026 despite the market value exceeding $42 million. If Porter's illness was a ruse, he may continue to use similar tactics to pressure the Cowboys into giving him the contract he did not receive from the Steelers.