The Pittsburgh Steelers have loaded up on compensatory (comp) picks for 2026 after losing several players this offseason to other teams. As of now, they are expected to receive an extra draft pick in rounds 3-6 after losing both of their 2024 starting quarterbacks, and a pair of offensive linemen. However, incentives given to Russell Wilson and Justin Fields could raise the round of the pick that the Steelers receive if they manage to hit a certain number. It's safe to say that Pittsburgh will be rooting for their former quarterbacks to do well with their new teams.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterbacks Justin Fields (#2) and Russell Wilson (#3) stretch on the field as the team gets ready to practice during Organized Team Activities at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
Nick Korte of OverTheCap previously released the details of Wilson's contract and how the Steelers could get a third-round comp pick for him. However, he recently corrected that statement and noted that that kind of gain for Pittsburgh will be borderline impossible.
I've been informed that I had the LTBE/NLTBE breakdown on Russell Wilson all wrong & it's only going to start w/his $10.5M base APY.
— Nick Korte (@nickkorte) March 28, 2025
So start w/a presumption of a 5th round compensatory pick valued contract, maybe revise up to a 4th if he plays/wins a little, w/a 3rd daunting.
It appears that Wilson's incentives will be mostly Not Likely To Be Earned (NLTBE). In fact, he reportedly would have to go 17-0 as the starter to get the full $10.5 million in incentives that he could hit. That is almost impossible, even for a legendary quarterback, let alone an aging passer that is well past his prime (as well as with the underwhelming situation the New York Giants are currently in).
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Russell Wilson throws a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during Week 11 of the 2024 regular season.
The Steelers could still squeeze out an extra third from Fields, but doing so with Wilson would require a generational run. However, Pittsburgh could still realistically end up with a fourth-round comp pick, and it appears that a fifth-round selection is the lowest one that could be achieved in this scenario.
If winning every game is how Wilson earns every incentive, then all of his incentives must be win-based, although it is unclear exactly what the number is. Either way, the Steelers probably shouldn't hold their breath too much. The Giants had a disastrous 2024 season, and the addition of Wilson is not exactly a needle-mover. He does have a potentially elite wide receiver in Malik Nabers to rely on, but the offensive line is still a mess. The veteran's lack of mobility and pocket presence were the things that made him struggle in Pittsburgh, so he may have some problems in New York as well.
The Giants won just three games in 2024, and they have not made many notable moves outside of quarterback in free agency. With the third overall pick, they could draft some more help, and they could still win a few more games on the idea that 2025 can't be much worse than what they just dealt with.
Steelers' Most Likely Comp Pick For Wilson
If Wilson receives a bonus per win, he will earn roughly $618,000 per victory. It would take six wins to leapfrog Haason Reddick, who received a deal worth $14 million per year and currently holds the last spot for a fourth-round comp pick. That benchmark is achievable for any team, regardless of their situation.
AP Photo
Former Steelers QB Russell Wilson following a 2024 regular season game against the New York Giants at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA
Without incentives, Fields is making $20 million per year, and he has the top spot for the fourth rounders. Not only would Wilson have to win at least 16 games to pass him up, but Fields would have to earn no incentives at all, so the veteran jumping over his former teammates is out of the question. The Steelers will still be happy with two thirds, a fourth, and a sixth via comp picks. Wilson should be able to upgrade his position one round, but likely nothing more.
What do you think about the Steelers' comp pick situation? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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