Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions Inquire About Steelers Corn

The Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions have begun exploring a potential trade for Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., according to league sources cited by Adam Schefter of ESPN. The report surfaced Sunday morning, confirming that multiple teams have contacted Pittsburgh regarding the fourth-year defensive back’s availability as the 2026 NFL season progresses.

Pittsburgh remains willing to listen to trade offers for Porter, but the franchise demands strong compensation in any deal, according to Schefter’s report. The cornerback has been seeking a new contract extension, yet the Steelers maintain their longstanding policy of refusing to negotiate deals during the regular season. This standoff creates an opening for other teams to acquire the talented defender before the trade deadline.

The Cowboys face the Baltimore Ravens at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday afternoon, with kickoff scheduled for 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS. Starting cornerback Cobie Durant sits out with a hamstring injury he suffered in the final sequence of the first half during Dallas’s Week 2 victory over the Washington Commanders, leaving the team thin at the position.

Cowboys Build Aggressive Trade Portfolio

Over the past 13 months, Dallas has acquired defensive stars Quinnen Williams, Rashan Gary, and Kenny Clark through trades while using first-round selections on Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence. The Cowboys traded up one spot in April to select Downs at No. 11 overall, demonstrating their commitment to building an elite defense through both the draft and trades.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones addressed the team’s trade flexibility during his first weekly radio appearance of the season on 105.3 The Fan, confirming Dallas possesses the financial resources to complete a deal immediately. The executive explained that the cap space could carry over across three or four years, providing significant maneuverability for any potential acquisition.

“The best way for me to answer that is not timing wise, right on something this morning or this week, but if you look at it generally speaking, we’re in play,” Jones said. “And that’s the best way to describe it.”

Earlier this month, Dallas created more than $19 million in cap space by restructuring three contracts, including Clark’s deal and that of cornerback DaRon Bland. This financial maneuvering positions the franchise to absorb a significant contract or trade compensation package without disrupting their salary cap structure for future seasons.

Lions Face Secondary Crisis

Through two weeks, Detroit has allowed the second-most passing yards in the NFL, according to Schefter’s analysis. The Lions currently play without safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, who both remain on the PUP list, and cornerback Avonte Maddox, who suffered a season-ending foot injury. Detroit enters Sunday’s home game against the New York Jets with a 1-1 record and desperate need for defensive backfield reinforcement.

The Lions’ secondary has required constant shuffling throughout the early season as injuries mount across the depth chart. The team signed Bishop Fitzgerald off the Steelers’ practice squad and brought veteran Jalen Mills onto their practice squad, with both players expected to factor into the Week 3 rotation. In the slot position, Roger McCreary, Keith Abney, and Christian Izien have all taken snaps, though Izien will likely shift to safety due to the injuries at that position.

At cornerback, Detroit brought back D.J. Reed as a starter, though he has struggled through the opening games and the team lacks viable replacement options. Beyond Reed, the Lions rely on veteran Rock Ya-Sin, who started six games last year due to injuries and has earned the starting call through the first two weeks of this season despite performance concerns. Ya-Sin received his starting role primarily because Detroit released Terrion Arnold during the summer, eliminating another potential option.

Porter’s Contract Situation Creates Trade Window

Porter enters his fourth year in the NFL and the final season of his rookie salary contract after Pittsburgh drafted him 32nd overall, the first pick of the second round. This unique draft position creates contract complications, as he represents first-round talent based on his draft slot and expects compensation reflecting that status. However, the Steelers view him as a second-round selection without a Pro Bowl or All-Pro recognition, creating a significant gap in contract expectations between player and franchise.

Pittsburgh has revived its secondary with Jamel Dean and Asante Samuel leading the unit, which makes the organization view Porter as potentially expendable despite his talent level. The Steelers would prefer to retain him but only at their valuation, not the premium price his representatives seek based on his performance and draft position. This philosophical divide makes a trade increasingly likely as both sides remain firm in their positions.

Dallas Depth Chart Shows Cornerback Need

Bland serves as the starter at one cornerback spot for Dallas, while the team’s first unofficial depth chart of the regular season, released Sept. 8, listed Durant or Shavon Revel Jr. opposite him, with Downs designated as the starting nickel corner. Durant signed a one-year, $4 million contract on March 13 after four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, where he recorded 141 tackles, 7 interceptions, 26 passes defensed, and 2 defensive touchdowns.

The injury to Durant leaves Dallas vulnerable at cornerback depth, particularly against high-powered passing attacks like the Ravens offense they face Sunday. Adding Porter would provide immediate starter-quality help and long-term stability if the Cowboys can negotiate a contract extension as part of any trade package. Schefter’s report clarifies that several teams beyond the Cowboys and Lions have expressed interest in the cornerback, creating potential competition for his services and driving up the asking price Pittsburgh might command in any deal.