Joey Porter Jr. Debuts for Cowboys After Steelers Exit

The Cowboys acquired Joey Porter Jr. from the Steelers, sending a 2028 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-rounder; the deal ended Detroit’s pursuit, with one report saying the Lions may have offered a third-round pick and another Day 3 selection. Porter made his Dallas debut in a comeback win over Houston, playing 25 defensive snaps without being targeted, after a contract dispute and injury-related absence ended his time in Pittsburgh. His departure has drawn criticism of the Steelers’ front office, as injuries and his exit have contributed to reliance on soft zone coverage and defensive struggles. Porter’s father celebrated his return, while Charles Barkley criticized him for not playing for his former teammates, fueling debate among Steelers fans over responsibility for the split.