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.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Ozzy
@OzzyNFL

Compensatory Picks rewarded for the 2026 NFL Draft (per @Jason_OTC)

Steelers: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
Eagles: 3rd, 4th, 5th
Vikings: 3rd, 5th
Niners: 4th, 4th, 5th
Raiders: 4th, 5th
Jets: 4th, 7th
Dolphins: 4th
Saints: 4th
Ravens: 5th, 5th, 7th
Cowboys: 5th, 5th
Colts: 7th, 7th

Apr 29, 2025

https://x.com/OzzyNFL/status/1917238...1_c10&ref_url=

[Dwinsgames]

Ozzy
@OzzyNFL

Compensatory Picks rewarded for the 2026 NFL Draft (per @Jason_OTC)

Steelers: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
Eagles: 3rd, 4th, 5th
Vikings: 3rd, 5th
Niners: 4th, 4th, 5th
Raiders: 4th, 5th
Jets: 4th, 7th
Dolphins: 4th
Saints: 4th
Ravens: 5th, 5th, 7th
Cowboys: 5th, 5th
Colts: 7th, 7th

Apr 29, 2025

https://x.com/OzzyNFL/status/1917238...1_c10&ref_url=

plenty enough to move up from 12 to 8 and if there ends up being half a dozen 1st round QBs in 2026 like some think there will be then they could be in a great place to land one from a few likely to still be on the board ....

[pczach]

Ozzy
@OzzyNFL

Compensatory Picks rewarded for the 2026 NFL Draft (per @Jason_OTC)

Steelers: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
Eagles: 3rd, 4th, 5th
Vikings: 3rd, 5th
Niners: 4th, 4th, 5th
Raiders: 4th, 5th
Jets: 4th, 7th
Dolphins: 4th
Saints: 4th
Ravens: 5th, 5th, 7th
Cowboys: 5th, 5th
Colts: 7th, 7th

Apr 29, 2025

https://x.com/OzzyNFL/status/1917238...1_c10&ref_url=

Yep. We have been tracking this, and it looks like what we hoped they would receive is going to happen.

I think this is how the Steelers have to start approaching things. This is how teams like the Eagles and Ravens have been operating for years. They have to be willing to let some veteran players go and receive compensatory picks to replace talent in the draft. Not only does it give you more picks, but it allows the team the comfort to navigate the draft by moving up or down to target specific players.

Doing things that way certainly adds flexibility. It also gives them more picks and lowers the salary hit with affordable drafted players.

I hope this is a bit of a trend in this direction.

[pczach]

plenty enough to move up from 12 to 8 and if there ends up being half a dozen 1st round QBs in 2026 like some think there will be then they could be in a great place to land one from a few likely to still be on the board ....

It sure makes it easier to get the top players they really want in the draft and still have enough picks to complete the roster.

I have always been a fan of having more draft picks, even if it means moving down to get more picks. If you trust your scouting staff, there are always great players to be had in the middle rounds. The meat of the draft is the second thru fifth round.

This will allow them to still attack the top of the draft while still having the ammo they need for the rest of the draft.

[Mojouw]

It is unfortunate for the Steelers that they stacked these comp picks in a year that two teams - one of whom should be pretty bad - have two first round picks already. Sets up the Rams and Browns to be the bullies on the block for the 2026 draft.

Apparently Howie Roseman's habits are rubbing off on his peers.

Also....I don't think I have seen it discussed in detail here....but do we all agree that the Falcons trade back into the first round was borderline malpractice by their GM? If not, please help me understand how it is was anything but a bad trade. Thanks.

[Born2Steel]

It sure makes it easier to get the top players they really want in the draft and still have enough picks to complete the roster.

I have always been a fan of having more draft picks, even if it means moving down to get more picks. If you trust your scouting staff, there are always great players to be had in the middle rounds. The meat of the draft is the second thru fifth round.

This will allow them to still attack the top of the draft while still having the ammo they need for the rest of the draft.

I know there are some 'draft experts' we give more credit to than others, and I wish I could remember who I heard this from as well.

The conversation was directly about draft position and values. The comment was how there are maybe 5-7 guys each draft that are first round locks on every board. After those guys, however many, you enter into an area of it just depends on how a team sees the player's fit. These guys are about all equal as far as overall value. I think this is the part you referred to as those 2nd thru 5th round guys. Guys who have a legit shot at making the roster but just not the 'game changer' guys. You get enough of these guys you will/should have a good and well rounded out team. Generally speaking with all of this.

[pczach]

I know there are some 'draft experts' we give more credit to than others, and I wish I could remember who I heard this from as well.

The conversation was directly about draft position and values. The comment was how there are maybe 5-7 guys each draft that are first round locks on every board. After those guys, however many, you enter into an area of it just depends on how a team sees the player's fit. These guys are about all equal as far as overall value. I think this is the part you referred to as those 2nd thru 5th round guys. Guys who have a legit shot at making the roster but just not the 'game changer' guys. You get enough of these guys you will/should have a good and well rounded out team. Generally speaking with all of this.

Most of what you said is right on. Every team has their own player rankings, but there are usually a handful of players that are universally high on the boards of every team. They are considered the true elite players in the draft that can elevate a team. After that, the ratings of all the remaining players are all much closer, so the level of talent is much closer between all the remaining talent and, like you said, dependent on the team fit when it comes to fitting into specific schemes and the evaluations of that team's scouting department.

I would always love to have a handful of picks in the middle of the draft to be able to select high quality players that the team pays far less money to. That's where my comment about the trusting your scouting department to identify players that are ultimate value picks with the possibility of being high-end players. They are available every single year. You get four years of quality play on a rookie contract. This is where rosters are built and is often the difference between having a decent roster and having a great roster.

[Dwinsgames]

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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maybe ERob wanted a chance to start ( and he deserves it ) but we have under contract guys who would start over him so he wanted to move on ?? idk I am just surmising

[tube517]

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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Everyone said ERob was great against the run but a liability vs the pass. The times I saw him he wasn't bad vs the pass. He didn't play alot last year because Payton Wilson got a ton of snaps.

Donte Jackson had a great start but he was hobbling by the last few games. Actually he was hurt several times in the season. He would have been a good 3rd/4th CB for depth.