Dallas Cowboys cornerback Joey Porter Jr. missed Thursday night's clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a sudden illness, and the timing couldn't be more suspicious. The man who forced his way out of Pittsburgh over a back injury that miraculously healed after the trade is now sidelined again while haggling over a long-term contract.
Prime Video analyst Richard Sherman didn't mince words during the pregame show.
“I think maybe if they would have gave him a new contract, maybe he would have been a little healthier today,” Sherman said.
Here's the reality: Porter already got what he wanted. The Steelers shipped him out. Now he's in Dallas, playing for a team that holds all the cards. If he thinks faking injuries will squeeze Jerry Jones, he's got another thing coming.
What's Really Going On With Porter's Contract?
Porter's only play is to suit up, shut up, and ball out. That's how you earn the big money in this league. That's how you earn the franchise tag or a ticket to free agency. Sitting on the bench with phantom ailments doesn't build leverage; it builds a reputation.
The Cowboys have been down this road before. They tagged receiver George Pickens for $27.298 million in 2026, even though the market has ballooned past $42 million. Pickens played. Porter should take notes.
Jerry Jones Sends a Message on Long-Term Deals
Jones addressed the situation Friday on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, and his words carried the weight of a man who won't be bullied.
“We're working under an existing contract with an extended contract,” Jones said. “Think about it. Think about it hard. Let's get in here, and let's make each other feel a little better about where we are. Not a little better; in these guys' case, it's a monster amount in their lives, a contract at this level.”
The Cowboys owner made it clear: it takes two to tango. He praised coach Brian Schottenheimer for his work with Pickens, calling it a model of people working together. The message to Porter is unmistakable: earn it, or wait.
Will Porter Keep Finding Excuses to Sit Out?
If this illness was a ruse, it won't be the last time Porter finds a reason to stay home. He's already proven he'll manufacture a back injury to escape Pittsburgh. Now he's testing whether Dallas will blink.
They won't. Jerry Jones doesn't fold under pressure. He's built an empire on the American principles of hard work, merit, and accountability. Porter wants a monster deal? Then he needs to show up, play like a man, and prove he's worth every penny.
The Cowboys are keeping their options open, including the franchise tag. But the ball is in Porter's court. Play ball, or watch your value plummet. That's the way the game works in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joey Porter Jr. miss the Buccaneers-Cowboys game?
Porter was ruled out with a sudden illness before Thursday night's game. The timing raised eyebrows because he's currently seeking a long-term contract extension with the Cowboys.
What did Jerry Jones say about Porter's contract situation?
Jones said the team is working under the existing contract and emphasized that both sides need to work together. He referenced the George Pickens deal as an example of how negotiations should proceed.
Could the Cowboys use the franchise tag on Porter?
Yes. Jones's comments suggest the franchise tag remains a viable option if a long-term agreement can't be reached, similar to how the team handled George Pickens.