
Heyward Calls Franchise Tag ‘Stupid’ and Outdated for Players
Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward called the NFL’s franchise tag “stupid,” arguing it hampers players and misprices top talent under a 2011-era formula that no longer reflects the market; examples like George Pickens and Joey Porter Jr. illustrate the gap between tag salaries and current market values. While the NFLPA would need to negotiate to scrap the tag, such a change is uncertain, and teams still rely on the tag to control elite players and prevent market-driven wage growth.













