Heyward Criticizes Franchise Tag Amid Porter Talks
Heyward Criticizes Franchise Tag Amid Porter Talks
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Key Points
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The franchise tag guarantees a one-year contract worth the average of the five highest salaries at a player’s position, which Heyward argued can still fall well below the earnings of the very top players.
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NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Pittsburgh’s offer to Joey Porter Jr. was “not good enough for this one to be deemed close.”
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If Porter is franchised in 2027, Pittsburgh would have until July 15 to reach a long-term agreement; otherwise, Porter would have to play on the one-year tag or hold out.
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Porter is coming off a 2025 season in which he recorded 52 tackles and a team-high 14 passes defended, adding context to his pursuit of a top-level extension.
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The projected 2027 franchise-tag salary for Porter is roughly $23 million, while the top six cornerbacks in the current market are each set to make at least $30 million; Porter and the league’s highest-paid corner, Christian Gonzalez, share an agent.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward called the NFL's franchise tag "stupid," arguing it unfairly limits elite players' earning potential even when guaranteed. As an NFL Players Association executive committee member, Heyward criticized the one-year salary structure that can fall well below what top performers could earn on the open market Yahoo Sports.
His comments came as cornerback Joey Porter Jr. seeks a long-term extension before the regular season begins. NFL Network reported Pittsburgh's offer was "not good enough for this one to be deemed close." Porter recorded 52 tackles and 14 passes defended last season, strengthening his case for elite-level pay Essential Sports.
Why the Franchise Tag Weakens Player Leverage
The franchise tag guarantees one-year pay based on the average of the five highest salaries at a player's position. However, Heyward pointed out this still leaves elite players below what they could earn on the open market. For a cornerback like Porter, the projected 2027 franchise tag is roughly $23 million Yahoo Sports. Compare that to the league's top six corners, each making at least $30 million annually.
The system gives teams exclusive negotiating rights for one more season, preventing players from creating bidding wars among rival franchises. This delays long-term deals and keeps stars under team control. Heyward, as a union leader, has made clear elite performers should maximize their value before the season starts Essential Sports.
Porter Jr. Pursues Top-Dollar Extension Amid Team Deadline
Joey Porter Jr. is pushing for a long-term deal before Pittsburgh's Week 1 opener against Atlanta. The Steelers typically halt contract talks once the regular season starts. Porter refused an improved offer, signaling his demand exceeds what the team has proposed so far Yahoo Sports.
If no agreement comes before Week 1, Pittsburgh could franchise tag Porter in 2027. The team would have until July 15 to reach a long-term deal, or Porter could hold out. His agent also represents Christian Gonzalez, the league's highest-paid corner, which likely shapes his market expectations Essential Sports.
Broader Labor Fight Over Rookie Deals and Team Control
Heyward criticized not just the franchise tag but also rookie-contract restrictions and limited player options. Both systems concentrate power with teams during players' peak years and greatest financial leverage. Rookie deals lock in predetermined pay for four years, while the tag can extend control further Essential Sports.
Together, these rules shrink the window when players can access open-market competition and convert elite performance into lasting financial security. Heyward's stance reflects a growing union push to rebalance power between franchises and their athletes Yahoo Sports.
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