PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward called the NFL’s franchise tag “stupid” on Wednesday, four days before the team’s self-imposed deadline to extend cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
Heyward is a member of the NFL Players Association’s executive committee. He made the comments while speaking with reporters, ESPN’s Brooke Pryor reported.
“It’s stupid,” Heyward said. “It hampers players. Why should any team be able to take advantage of a player for one year? It’s used in negotiations, and I think between the player options, the franchise tags, the way they control rookies, I think it’s kind of backwards.”
Heyward is a seven-time Pro Bowl selection in his 16th season with Pittsburgh, which drafted him 31st overall in 2011. He has gone through several contract negotiations of his own that came down to the wire, according to Pryor.
Cornerback Franchise Tag Trails Christian Gonzalez’s New Deal
Under the current system, teams can use one of three designations on a player whose contract is expiring: the nonexclusive franchise tag, the exclusive franchise tag, or the transition tag. Each one is a one-year tender. A tagged player and his team have until mid-July to agree on a long-term deal. If they do not, he plays the season on the tag unless he holds out.
This year’s franchise tag for cornerbacks was worth $21.161 million. The transition tag at the position was worth $18.119 million.
Earlier this week, New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez signed a four-year, $135 million extension. His deal averages $33.75 million per season, the most at the position.
“If a player is at the top of his position, he should be paid that way,” Heyward explained.
Porter is in the final season of his rookie contract, with a $3.9 million base salary in 2026. Pittsburgh drafted him with the first pick of the second round in 2023, 32nd overall. If the two sides do not reach an extension before Sunday, the Steelers would be able to use the franchise tag after the season to keep him from reaching free agency.
Cameron Heyward Backs Joey Porter Jr. Before Steelers’ Deadline
Porter spent training camp on the physically unable to perform list with an aggravated back injury. The Steelers activated him on roster cutdown day, and he has been ramping up in practice over the last week. On Sept. 1, he did not commit to playing in the opener without a new deal.
Last season, Porter made 52 tackles and defended 14 passes in 14 games, with 1 interception and 1 sack. He has not allowed a touchdown as the primary defender in coverage since his rookie season in 2023, The Associated Press reported.
Heyward said Porter’s growth showed in Pittsburgh’s playoff game against Houston last season.
“Joey’s growing in this defense a lot,” Heyward said. “You can look at that Houston game and really see how much he’s grown, going after top receivers, following guys. And I just think his best football is ahead of him. And you’re in a division with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins just on one team alone. You got to have guys like Joey to go out there and stop him.”
Locker room leaders are keeping the group focused while Porter’s negotiations play out, Heyward said.
“We truly want everybody to just be able to maximize what they can do and their potential,” Heyward said. “We understand this game isn’t for long and every player has to do that. That’s just a fact. If you didn’t, you’d be a shame on you. You’d be not taking advantage of the opportunity you can, but I wish it would get done earlier. I wish everything was done in February if we could.”
The Steelers host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium. Kickoff is set for noon CT on FOX.
