Cowboys Acquire Porter, Giants Get McCarthy as NFL Trade Market Shifts

Key points

• Dallas Cowboys received CB Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers on Oct. 1, 2026, in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round and 2028 second-round draft pick.
• NFL.com graded the Cowboys' acquisition an A- and the Steelers' compensation a C+, noting Dallas secured a top-tier corner for a relatively low upfront cost.
• The New York Giants traded a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings for QB J.J. McCarthy on Sept. 28, following the injury of starter Jaxson Dart.
• Jerry Jones stated the Cowboys intend to keep Porter long-term, comparing the move to their previous acquisition of George Pickens, while Porter expressed feeling undervalued by Pittsburgh.
• Bleacher Report highlighted Porter as a player needing a change of scenery, noting Dallas is more willing to pay core players than Pittsburgh was during the regular season.

Background

The 2026 NFL trade deadline is set for Nov. 10. Prior to these moves, the Cowboys had struggled defensively despite offseason upgrades, and the Giants faced a quarterback crisis after Jaxson Dart's knee surgery. The Steelers had previously acquired Porter via a trade with the Bears, while the Vikings had added Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz in the offseason, signaling a move away from McCarthy.

How outlets are covering it

NFL.com praised Jerry Jones for acting boldly, crediting the Cowboys for securing a high-impact player without sacrificing a premier pick until 2028. Conversely, the outlet criticized Steelers GM Omar Khan for delaying the trade until the impasse reduced compensation, potentially jeopardizing his job if the team flounders. Bleacher Report emphasized the cultural shift for Porter, noting that Dallas is more willing to pay core players than Pittsburgh, which traditionally declines negotiations during the regular season. The Dallas Cowboys official site highlighted Jones's confidence in Porter's potential to mirror the success of the George Pickens trade, while noting the need for Porter to be physically ready for the Week 4 game against the Texans.

Why it matters

These trades address immediate roster needs for two teams in 'win-now' mode. The Cowboys bolstered a struggling defense with a physical cover man, while the Giants secured a backup option for their quarterback position. The Steelers' decision to move Porter for less than expected compensation raises questions about their long-term planning and the stability of their front office.

What to watch

The Cowboys will evaluate Porter's physical readiness for the Week 4 game against the Houston Texans. The Giants will assess McCarthy's performance in a new offense under John Harbaugh. The Steelers will face scrutiny on their defensive depth and the performance of their remaining cornerbacks. The NFL trade deadline remains on Nov. 10, with potential further moves expected.