Cowboys Have Inquired About Blockbuster Trade With Steelers

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Sep 30, 2026 12:58 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys might be in the market for a defensive playmaker just three games into the 2026 season.

Last season, Jerry Jones made deals for Logan Wilson and Quinnen Williams prior to the trade deadline. While the Cowboys feel good about Williams and what he brings to the defensive line, Brian Schottenheimer’s defense is still struggling to keep their opponents in check.

In Week 3, the Cowboys suffered a 34-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Brazil. Defensive coordinator Christian Parker dialed up soft coverage with seven seconds left, which led to Zay Flowers hauling in a 27-yard pass with one second remaining. That play led to Tyler Loop kicking a game-winning field goal from 56 yards out as time expired.

The good news for the Cowboys’ secondary is that help could be on the way.

PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 08: Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) makes an interception in the end zone during the regular season NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 08, 2023 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

While a deal isn’t imminent at this time, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said Dallas has inquired about Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

Porter, a former second-round pick from Penn State, has missed the first three games this season. Although he’s nursing a back injury, his absence is most likely linked to his unresolved contract situation.

“Also on the Dallas front, yes, the Cowboys have inquired about Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. But there was no movement as of Wednesday morning, and Dallas doesn’t seem eager to relinquish major capital to secure Porter just yet. (It owns just six picks in 2027, due to previous trades for key players),” Fowler wrote. “Dallas believes it could use Porter as a prolific boundary corner. Porter has a trade market, but his desire for a new contract — and the rising costs of a position that’s now well above $30 million per year — complicates matters.”

The Cowboys may have to deal with Porter in their division.

There have been rumblings about the New York Giants acquiring Porter before this year’s trade deadline. They’ve already made a notable move this week by acquiring J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings.

“Now there’s other reports and a lot of buzz as the Giants are also looking to pick up a prominent player who’s unhappy,” WFAN legend Mike Francesca said, via Steeler Nation. “My understanding, he’s a secondary player. Whether that happens or not will depend on price and salary and everything as far as that goes. There are rumblings that the Giants are looking to make more moves and that they have one move that they’re very much zeroing in on. Let’s see what happens.”

Porter has been highly productive since going pro in 2023, racking up 165 tackles, 31 pass break-ups and three interceptions.

We’ll see if the Cowboys and Giants have a bidding war for Porter.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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