‘Disrespected and undervalued’- Joey Porter Jr. opens up on Steelers exit

Joey Porter Jr. has admitted he felt “disrespected” and “undervalued” before his move from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Dallas Cowboys.

Porter was traded to Dallas on Wednesday for a 2028 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round selection, ending months of uncertainty surrounding his future in Pittsburgh.

The cornerback had been waiting on a contract extension while also dealing with a back injury that kept him out throughout training camp, the preseason and Pittsburgh’s first three games.

Joey Porter Jr. explains his feelings after Steelers trade

Speaking after his first practice with Dallas, Porter opened up about the difficult process that eventually led to his departure from Pittsburgh.

“It was a hard process, a lot of ups and downs,” Porter said. “Definitely felt disrespected, definitely felt undervalued. But that’s the old news now. That’s how I look at it. I’m onto new beginnings, new chapters. And like I said, I’m a Cowboy. I’m in Dallas, so I’m happy about that.”

Porter had been ruled out of Pittsburgh’s Thursday night game against Cleveland before the trade, but he could make his Cowboys debut against the Houston Texans on Sunday.

He was not listed on Dallas’ injury report after his first practice, with head coach Brian Schottenheimer describing his opening session as “a positive first day”.

Porter also made it clear that he remains open to signing a long-term deal with Dallas after his contract issues in Pittsburgh.

“I’m down with it if they are. I want to finish my career here,” Porter said. “So 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.”

The Cowboys have an immediate need for Porter, with Cobie Durant dealing with a hamstring issue and Shavon Revel battling knee and ankle problems.

Dallas has also struggled defensively through three games, allowing 27.3 points and 387 yards per game while remaining one of four teams yet to record an interception.

Porter now has the chance to start a fresh chapter quickly, with Sunday’s game against Houston potentially giving him his first opportunity to show what he can bring to the Cowboys secondary.

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