Steelers' Art Rooney, Omar Khan Squarely In The Middle Of Massive Power Struggle Between NFL And NFLPA

Training camp is right around the corner for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and one topic has been in the news recently that has some of Steeler Nation concerned. That would be the contract status of the Steelers' second round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Joey Porter Jr. 

The Steelers have managed to sign all of their rookie class to their contracts except for Porter Jr., but he is in a very unique situation. He was the 32nd overall player selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, and while that selection is usually the last pick in the first round, this year it was the first pick in the second. This is due to the Miami Dolphins having to forfeit their pick due to tampering issues. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers And Joey Porter Jr. Are In A Unique Spot Because Of Porter Jr.'s Draft Slot

Since the NFL and NFLPA agreed to the new rookie compensation system during the 2011 collective bargaining agreement, there have been a lot less holdouts and issues in terms of getting rookie contracts done before the start of training camp. Prior to that, it was much less clear as to how much any given rookie was going to make and when they would sign their contract. For example, in 2010, no rookie that was drafted in the first two rounds had signed their rookie contract prior to July 4th. 

With contracts generally set for rookies based on their draft position and the salary cap, why is Porter Jr.'s situation so unique? Well, since he was the 32nd overall pick, there is likely a discussion as to whether or not he deserves his entire contract fully guaranteed or not.

For the first time in 2022, all 32 first round selections signed contracts which guaranteed their entire contract. So Porter Jr. and his camp are likely making the argument that it shouldn't matter if he is a first or second round pick technically, as he is still the 32nd overall selection which the precedent is now that they get a fully guaranteed deal. 

Some people believe Porter Jr. has a strong case, and one of those people are Mike Florio with Pro Football Talk. He spoke recently on The PM Team w/Poni & Mueller on the issue, and shared his opinion on if Porter Jr. has a case. 

"Yea I mean, he is pick number 32. It doesn't matter if it was the second round, the only reason it was the second round is because the Miami Dolphins blew their pick by tampering with Sean Peyton and Tom Brady. So, I think it is a strong argument."

Florio makes a good point, and it is likely the same point Porter Jr. is making in his negotiations with the Steelers. We all know the Steelers have a certain way they like to handle contracts, so it will be interesting to see if the Rooneys are able to resist giving into his request for a fully guaranteed contract. 

Even though Porter Jr. would obviously love to get as much guaranteed money as possible, there is a chance that he isn't necessarily making this decision alone with his agent.

The NFLPA and NFL players are always going to advocate for getting as much money as possible, especially guaranteed, for everyone signing a deal in the NFL. Whereas on the other hand, the NFL and the owners are always going to try to protect the billionaire owners as much as possible to limit the spending. Florio went on to mention that Porter Jr.'s contract negotiations and/or "holdout" likely goes beyond what he wants individually. 

"It has nothing to with him [Porter Jr.]," says Florio. "It is a broader power play between the league and the union, the teams and the players, how far are they going to allow this dynamic of fully guaranteed money to go? Because what is going to happen is, if the Steelers cave, then next year whoever the first player taken in round two, number 33 overall, is going to try to get a fully guaranteed contract. So this is about the Rooneys trying to help hold the line in the broader push and pull and back and forth between the league and the players."

With the relationship the Steelers have with the Porter family, as well as the way the Steelers typically do business, there is a low likelihood that Porter Jr. will actually holdout into training camp and miss any time to get himself ready for the regular season. 

Regardless of however this plays out, there is obviously a power struggle going on due to Porter Jr.'s unique draft spot being the 32nd overall pick, but in the second round. Steeler Nation shouldn't be worrying however unless the situation doesn't get resolved before the team takes the field in Latrobe.