Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward criticized the NFL’s franchise tag as stupid
and detrimental to players during contract negotiations for teammate Joey Porter Jr. Heyward argued the designation allows teams to control players unfairly, adding urgency as Porter enters the final year of his rookie deal.
Cameron Heywardのフランチャイズタグ批判
Heywardは水曜日、記者団に対し、フランチャイズタグは愚かな制度であり、選手の妨げになると述べた。また、なぜどのチームであっても1年間にわたって選手を利用できるのかと疑問を呈し、交渉において、プレイヤーオプションやフランチャイズタグ、ルーキーの管理方法などが組み合わさっている現状は、ある意味で本末転倒であると考えていると語った。Cameron Heyward
Heyward, who serves as an executive committee member of the NFL Players Association, spoke Wednesday regarding the designation. According to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, Heyward stated that he wishes the process would be completed earlier, and if possible, everything should be finalized in February.
Joey Porter Jr.の契約交渉と期限
The comments from Heyward come as the Steelers continue to negotiate with cornerback Joey Porter Jr. regarding a new contract. Porter is entering the final season of his rookie contract following a 2025 campaign where he recorded a team-high 14 passes defended and 52 tackles.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported Tuesday that while the Steelers made an offer to Porter during contract discussions, it was not sufficient to be considered close to an agreement. The two sides have not found common ground, and Pittsburgh has typically stopped negotiating extensions once the regular season starts.
If Porter does not receive a new deal, the Steelers have the opportunity to tag him in 2027 to prevent him from departing in free agency. Under the franchise tag, a player has until July 15 to sign a long-term contract with their team or they are required to play on the one-year deal unless they hold out. It remains uncertain if Porter will play in the Steelers’ Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons, as the cornerback previously stated he was not sure if he would suit up without a new deal.
報酬と選手評価のあり方
Heywardは、選手がそのポジションでトップクラスであれば、それに相応しい報酬を支払われるべきだと述べた。さらに、誰もが自身の能力とポテンシャルを最大限に発揮できるようになってほしいとし、選手生命が短いことは分かっており、すべての選手がそうした努力をしなければならないと付け加えた。Cameron Heyward
Heyward noted that the franchise tag—which is a guaranteed one-year deal worth the average of the top five salaries at the position—often pays significantly less than what the top players at those positions earn.