Pittsburgh Steelers are once again projected to lose out on one of the NFL's most lucrative pre-draft rewards in 2025
One of the forgotten rewards of the NFL Draft is the compensatory pick formula. Basically, when teams lose high valued free agents and or coaches, they are given extra draft compensation for their departures. But with few coaches drawing interest from other teams and little to any free agents earning bog contracts, the Pittsburgh Steelers […]
One of the forgotten rewards of the NFL Draft is the compensatory pick formula.
Basically, when teams lose high valued free agents and or coaches, they are given extra draft compensation for their departures.
But with few coaches drawing interest from other teams and little to any free agents earning bog contracts, the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to miss out yet again…
Steelers projected to receive zero compensatory picks in 2025 NFL Draft
For each draft, the NFL awards at least 32 additional picks for certain players, coaches and executives who depart from their previous teams. Appendix V of the CBA and 2020 Resolution JC-2A govern the rules of the compensatory draft system. Visit OTC's compensatory formula page and read this explainer to better understand how compensatory picks are assigned.
On the cancellation charts, players that are projected to be eligible to earn their former team a compensatory pick are highlighted in their former team's colors. Please note that the charts do not account for compensatory picks that may not be awarded due to falling below the 32-pick limit or exceeding the maximum of four per team. Also, compensatory picks awarded via 2020 Resolution JC-2A are not included on the charts, as they are awarded separately.
– Over The Cap
For the Steelers, the only way they receive draft capital for a coach is if they trade Mike Tomlin. That was never likely, and their best chance just went out of the window following the Chicago Bears new HC hiring.
If the Steelers are going to make coaching changes, it's more likely they release some of their staff or add to it as opposed to having anyone else poach one of their coordinators.
When it comes to free agents, the only ones that departed Pittsburgh last year were Armon Watts and Mason Rudolph, neither of whom netted big deals. However, 2026 could welcome a variety of picks with players like Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Dan Moore Jr. and others slated to hit free agency in a little over a month.
