The Steelers have a chance to make a killing with compensatory picks in 2026

[pczach]

With the signings of Justin Fields and Dan Moore, the Steelers are in position to possibly get two third-round compensatory picks for them in 2026.

Much depends on what they do from here, and if they stay away from signing players that take away those compensatory picks.

Players like Metcalf, Darius Slay, and Aaron Rodgers wouldn't count against them in regard to compensation.

Much of this is dependent on how much playing time Fields and Moore see next season, but if they are smart about how they play things from here they may be able to gain the ammunition to be able to move up next season if necessary to land a big-time quarterback.

Just something to be mindful of going forward.

[Born2Steel]

Maybe they aren't as backward thinking as some claim?

Not saying that the plan will actually work, if that is indeed their plan. But at least we know there is a plan.

[Mojouw]

I get Metcalf not counting because he is a traded player.

But, assuming Slay and Rodgers are released, why do they not count? Looking to learn a thing!

[pczach]

I get Metcalf not counting because he is a traded player.

But, assuming Slay and Rodgers are released, why do they not count? Looking to learn a thing!

Basically, players that are cut do not qualify. Players that have had their contract expire qualify.

Here's a good compensatory pick chart that shows the projected compensatory picks for 2026 on the left by round of compensation. If you scroll down the cancellation chart to the right, it breaks it down by division and team. The chart shows the CFA players lost by each team, which players are CFA's, and which players lost are not eligible. It also shows free agent CFA's gained that each team signed that cancel out CFA's lost.

https://overthecap.com/compensatory-picks

Comp picks can only be between rounds 3-7 and are added at the end of those rounds. All free agents eligible for compensation must be signed before 4 PM EST on the Monday following the draft in that league year. Teams are limited to a maximum of 4 compensatory picks each season based on CFA losses/gains from the previous season.

Here is a link to the overthecap.com website that explains compensatory picks and who qualifies in more detail. https://overthecap.com/the-basics-an...ry-draft-picks

As it stands right now, the Steelers project to get:

a 3rd round pick for Moore

a 4th round pick for Fields

a 6th round pick for James Daniels

a 6th round pick for Donte Jackson

Najee Harris would have qualified for a pick, but was cancelled out with the signing of Malik Harrison.

The Steelers project to possibly land 4 compensatory picks, but the compensation can change based on playing time, age, and some other factors.

There is way too much for me to go over, and I am far from an expert. The formula is very complex. There is a lot of info at the links I gave you.

Enjoy!

[BlackAndGold]

Comp picks are rewards for teams that cannot or simply did not retain a player whose contract expired(UFA). When a team cuts/releases a player, they choose to let that player to become a free agent.

The system would get rigged if players who were cut counted towards comp picks.

Assuming Rodgers signs. I guess the Steelers will get a 3rd(Moore), 4th(Fields), 4th(Wilson). They'll sign others to cancel out Daniels/Jackson. You can only get 4 comp picks fyi.


The Ravens and Eagles love using comp picks. Need to be a good drafting team though to replace those players that were lost.

[ETL]

I am guessing all these comp picks are to move up in next years draft for a QB. One person guessed that the Steelers can possibly move up to number 4 pick from 20 spot with all these comp picks

[Mojouw]

Thanks for the info fellas! I forgot about the cut players not counting piece.

[NCSteeler]

It almost seems like they are officially tanking 2025. Letting good players go for comp picks and signing worse players in their spots . In some cases at a higher salary then it would have cost to keep them.



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[Dwinsgames]

It almost seems like they are officially tanking 2025. Letting good players go for comp picks and signing worse players in their spots . In some cases at a higher salary then it would have cost to keep them.



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if they were tanking they wouldn't be signing 1 year deals with guys like Slay

[NCSteeler]

if they were tanking they wouldn't be signing 1 year deals with guys like Slay

I get that , they still have to filed a team. What was wrong with Donte Jackson? Let Roberts walk and pay more for a backup from Ravens. I'm sure they know what they are doing it just looks weird from the outside.

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[El Kabong]

It almost seems like they are officially tanking 2025. Letting good players go for comp picks and signing worse players in their spots . In some cases at a higher salary then it would have cost to keep them.



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When was the last time you saw the Steelers tank?

[NCSteeler]

Never but this is a very very non Steelers off-season so far. But that why they hired Khan.

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[ETL]

Mike Williams signing with chargers should count for something also. Maybe nix gainwell signing or the jets cb signing

[pczach]

Mike Williams signing with chargers should count for something also. Maybe nix gainwell signing or the jets cb signing

Every NFL team is allowed a maximum of 4 compensatory picks. They already qualify for 4 next season.

Any additional players that qualify for possible compensatory picks will allow the team to sign players that carry a compensatory hit and they will cancel each other out as long as their contracts are about the same and the playing time matches up.

[Dwinsgames]

[Born2Steel]

Daniels, Moore, Najee, and Fields should see plenty of playing time with their new teams. Hopefully, someone picks up Russ just for some insurance.

[pczach]

Here are the updated projected compensatory picks in next year's draft as of today.

Dan Moore Jr. 3rd rounder

Justin Fields 4th rounder

Russell Wilson 5th rounder

James Daniels 6th rounder


https://overthecap.com/compensatory-picks

[ETL]

Hopefully Wilson can earn those incentives and maybe that pick moves up to a 4th rounder.