New Dallas Cowboys cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is glad to move on from the saga that overshadowed his final days with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"It was a hard process; a lot of ups and downs," Porter said Thursday after his first practice with the Cowboys, per ESPN's Todd Archer. "Definitely felt disrespected, definitely felt undervalued. But that's the old news now. That's how I look at it. I'm on to new beginnings, new chapters. And like I said, I'm a Cowboy. I'm in Dallas, so I'm happy about that."
The Cowboys announced earlier Thursday that they acquired Porter in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-rounder. The trade marked the third deal between Dallas and Pittsburgh since May 2025, following previous moves involving George Pickens and Broderick Jones.
Porter didn't suit up for the Steelers in their first three games of the season amid a contract stalemate over a long-term extension.
Additionally, it's been a whirlwind week for Porter. The 26-year-old was listed as a full participant in Pittsburgh's practice sessions on Monday and Tuesday before being ruled out on Wednesday ahead of the Steelers' game Thursday against the Cleveland Browns. Porter said Thursday that it was more his call not to play against the Browns but added that his back is "feeling better."
Porter also seemed optimistic that he'll be on the field when the Cowboys play the Houston Texans on Sunday.
"We're just trying to take things day by day," Porter said. "If everything looks good, then we should be out there."
Porter had hoped to land an extension with Pittsburgh after the franchise rewarded other members of his 2023 draft class. Several cornerbacks across the league also inked lucrative deals this offseason, including Trent McDuffie, Devon Witherspoon, Denzel Ward, and Christian Gonzalez.
However, Porter will have to wait to sign a new contract, as the Cowboys are reportedly content to let him play out the final year of his rookie contract.
"I'm down with it if they are. I want to finish my career here," Porter said. "Hopefully, I just perform like how I know how to perform and do what I do, and I'm going to let everything take care of the rest."
Porter arrives as the Cowboys' cornerback depth faces questions, with Cobie Durant (hamstring) and Shavon Revel Jr. (knee/ankle) dealing with injuries ahead of Sunday's matchup.
Defensive coordinator Christian Parker said he believes Porter's addition gives Dallas a "boundary eraser." While the 6-foot-2, 193-pound corner is known for his man-to-man skills, Parker added he's confident Porter can pick up Dallas' defensive scheme.
The Cowboys also hope Porter's presence in the secondary will force opposing quarterbacks to hold the ball longer, as Dallas' pass rush has recorded just two sacks through three games.
