The Dallas Cowboys have made it clear that they are exploring ways to improve their defense, and one of the biggest names on their radar is Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. Dallas has inquired about Porter, but as of Wednesday morning, there was no agreement in place between the two teams.
The situation is becoming increasingly interesting as the Cowboys deal with injuries in their secondary and Porter remains away from the Steelers amid a contract dispute. While Dallas appears interested, the latest reporting suggests the Cowboys aren’t prepared to pay whatever price Pittsburgh is demanding.
Cowboys have legitimate interest in Porter
ESPN reported earlier this week that the Cowboys were among a handful of teams that had contacted the Steelers about Porter’s availability. Pittsburgh is reportedly willing to listen to trade offers, but the team wants a significant return for the 26-year-old cornerback.
Dallas’ interest makes sense given the current state of its secondary. The Cowboys have already dealt with injuries at cornerback, and Porter would immediately provide another experienced option for a defense that has struggled early in the 2026 season.
Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones also acknowledged Tuesday that the organization is having conversations about potential moves to improve the roster, although he stopped short of mentioning Porter by name because of NFL tampering rules.
But interest doesn’t necessarily mean Dallas is ready to make a blockbuster move.
Compensation remains the biggest obstacle
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys “don’t seem eager to relinquish major capital” to acquire Porter, while the Steelers and Cowboys currently have different valuations of what a trade should cost.
That is the biggest roadblock to a potential deal.
Reports have indicated that Pittsburgh could seek a premium draft pick for Porter, with previous reporting suggesting a potential asking price in the range of a first-round pick or a second-round pick plus additional draft capital.
There is also the issue of Porter’s contract situation. He is in the final year of his rookie deal and is seeking a new contract, meaning any team acquiring him would have to consider the cost of a potential extension on top of the draft capital required to get him.
For now, the Cowboys appear to be interested but unwilling to overpay.
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