Updated List of Cowboys' Future Draft Picks After Joey Porter Jr. Trade

Cowboys Make a Strategic Move for Joey Porter Jr.

The Dallas Cowboys made headlines with a significant trade for cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The deal, finalized on Wednesday night, sees the Cowboys exchanging a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick for the talented cornerback. This acquisition positions Porter Jr. as the new No. 1 cornerback for Dallas, set to play a central role for the rest of the 2026 season, with prospects of renewing his contract thereafter.

Changes to Cowboys' Draft Picks

Following the trade, the Cowboys' future draft landscape sees considerable alterations. Here’s an updated look at their picks for the 2027 and 2028 NFL Drafts:

2027 NFL Draft Picks

• Round 1 (own or Green Bay)
• Round 2
• Round 4 (via Pittsburgh)
• Round 7 (via Houston)
  Note: The higher of the Cowboys' first-round picks in 2027 will go to the New York Jets as part of a prior trade for Quinnen Williams. The exact outcome will only be known once the season concludes.

2028 NFL Draft Picks

• Round 1
• Round 3
• Round 4
• Round 5
• Round 6

Potential Compensatory Pick for Cowboys

The Cowboys are optimistic about Porter Jr.'s performance impacting the team's success; however, there are indications they might not intend to extend his contract immediately. If Dallas decides not to retain Porter Jr. after his tenure, they could still benefit from a compensatory pick in the 2028 draft.

ESPN's Todd Archer highlighted this scenario, suggesting that if Porter Jr. excels as a Pro Bowl candidate while with the Cowboys, they might face a tough decision regarding his contract. Nonetheless, should they allow him to walk, a valuable compensatory pick could offset the loss. Archer noted, "Could the deal for Joey Porter Jr. be a 13- or 14-game rental with him being a free agent after the year? Potentially, but there's always the possibility of a prime 2028 compensatory pick if they don't re-sign him."

As the NFL season unfolds, fans will be eagerly watching Porter Jr.'s performance and its implications for Dallas' future draft strategy. The trade marks a momentous pivot for the Cowboys, as they adjust their approach to their roster and potential future selections.