Dallas Cowboys Trading for Former 2nd-Round Pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers

Porter, who was selected by Pittsburgh in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, is playing in the final year of his rookie contract. The pending trade comes after Porter and the Steelers were unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension.

Steelers general manager Omar Khan reiterated Aug. 31 that the organization does not negotiate contract extensions during the season. No agreement was reached before Pittsburgh opened its season against the Atlanta Falcons.

Porter has not played this season and has been listed with a back injury. His contract situation had also generated speculation surrounding his absence.

The cornerback entered the season seeking a new contract as several players at his position received significant extensions. Christian Gonzalez signed a four-year, $135 million contract, while Devon Witherspoon agreed to a four-year, $132 million deal during the offseason. Pittsburgh ultimately did not reach a new deal with Porter and instead moved toward a trade.

Porter was selected with the No. 32 overall pick in the 2023 draft, technically making him the first selection of the second round. The Miami Dolphins' first-round pick that year had been forfeited after the NFL found the organization violated league rules regarding impermissible communications.

Porter appeared in all 17 games during his rookie season, starting 11. He recorded 43 tackles, one interception and 10 passes defended.

Over his first three NFL seasons, Porter recorded 165 tackles, three interceptions and 31 passes defended. He appeared in 14 games last season and finished with 52 tackles, one sack, one interception and 14 passes defended.

Porter is the son of former NFL linebacker Joey Porter, who played from 1999 through 2011 with the Steelers, Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals.

The elder Porter recorded 689 tackles and 12 interceptions in 188 career games.