Overview
- Cam Heyward, an NFLPA executive committee member, told reporters Wednesday that the franchise tag is "stupid" and "hampers players," saying teams use it to gain one-year control over players.
- The Steelers and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. remain in active but unresolved talks, and NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported the team’s latest offer was "not good enough" to be considered close.
- Pittsburgh’s long-standing policy of pausing extension talks once the regular season starts raises the practical odds that the team could use the franchise tag if Porter and the club do not reach a deal before that cutoff.
- Critics point to a 2011 change that sets tag values from a five-year average of the top five players’ cap share, which can leave tags well below market; the 2026 cornerback tag was about $21.6 million versus reported top-corner market deals near $33.75 million.
- If the Steelers tag Porter next year he would get a one-year payout and a limited window to sign a long-term deal, a dynamic that players and union leaders say can suppress wider market growth and shape career decisions as seen in past standoffs like Le'Veon Bell's.