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Steelers Winning Comp Pick Formula Once Again To Start Free Agency

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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 11: Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lines up before the snap during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium on December 11, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Steelers haven’t exactly had a quiet Monday to open NFL free agency, re-signing two defenders and adding two multi-year starting contracts with wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and cornerback Jamel Dean.

However, despite signing Pittman to a three-year, $59-million deal and Dean to a three-year, $36.75-million deal, neither will affect the compensatory pick formula in 2026. Pittman, of course, won’t count because he came via trade — a reported late-round pick swap — but Dean, a free agent signing, is ineligible because Tampa Bay reworked his contract in 2026, according to FOX NFL’s Greg Auman.

Because the Bucs reworked Jamel Dean's contract last year, he's not eligible for a comp pick. Evans would be a fifth-round pick if the Bucs don't sign enough outside qualifying free agents (Anzalone and Gainwell both count right now). https://t.co/BCFWUBi23q

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) March 9, 2026

That means Dean won’t cancel out any of the 2027 NFL Draft compensatory picks the Steelers could earn from departing free agents this offseason. Per Over the Cap’s Nick Korte, former Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (Buccaneers) and cornerback James Pierre (Vikings) are currently set to earn the Steelers sixth- and seventh-round picks in 2027, respectively.

After just 4 hours, there are already 19 compensatory picks for the 2027 NFL Draft on the board right now. pic.twitter.com/pOdkPuixYc

— Nick Korte (@nickkorte) March 9, 2026

Of course, Steelers free agents such as Isaac Seumalo and Aaron Rodgers remain on the open market — and Pittsburgh is unlikely to be done making signings, either. Pittsburgh’s situation could still certainly change for the better or worse in the coming days and months.

Pittsburgh managed its compensatory pick situation well last offseason, officially netting four extra picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, the league announced Monday.

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