Steel City Blitz
The Pittsburgh Steelers, despite likely being your favorite team, are often seen as the fan base’s punching bag when it comes to player contracts. There are some exceptions to be sure but it just seems like the easiest thing to do is “blame the front office.” Such is the case with Joey Porter, Jr who is currently looking to be one of the highest paid cornerbacks in the game.
This week the New England Patriots made it clear they are willing to make Christian Gonzalez the highest-paid corner in the NFL. Also looking to be paid is Seattle Seahawks’ cornerback Devon Witherspoon. Ironically, both of those young men are represented by the same agent. If you polled experts, players and coaches the majority would tell you that these two are better players than JPJ and should be the guys to set the market. Therefore, Porter, Jr will then fall in line behind them.
Because of the Pats’ recent statement, many Black and Gold fans are blaming the Steelers for not getting Porter, Jr’s deal done. It’s not that easy and I’ll use a very simple idiom to explain this; “it takes two to tango.” In other words, have these fans considered that perhaps the Steelers have made significant offers to JPJ? His representation – fully understanding what is happening with Gonzalez and Witherspoon – are in no hurry to do a deal yet.
Why would they be? Let’s say that the two parties came together back during OTAs with a deal that paid JPJ around $28 million per season and a decent amount guaranteed. If you’re the two other guys, you’re licking your lips because you know you’re getting paid more than Porter, Jr is. And by “more,” that could be such a significant difference that Porter, Jr is sitting there wondering “why didn’t I get paid more?”
Let us also not forget that the Steelers do have the Franchise Tag option for next year. Like it or not, it exists and it’s something that few players want to have applied to them. Both parties would prefer to avoid this but it is worth mentioning simply because it’s like a dark cloud moving in over the coast. Speaking of ‘dark clouds,’ remember too that the Steelers have a long-standing policy of not doing contracts once the season begins. New England and Seattle have no such policy as far as I know.
The reason so many are blaming the Steelers is that they are concerned that the team will end up paying more than they would have. It makes sense, no argument on that point at all. But if 24’s reps aren’t willing to come to the table then how is that the Steelers’ fault? They certainly weren’t going to “overpay” for him because all that does is make the market increase even more.
You may be upset that a deal isn’t done with Training Camp just days away but be careful with who you blame. Both sides have agendas and...
