To say that the 2025 season ended on a sour note is an understatement for Steeler Nation. Expectations were at an all-time high with the arrival of Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. However, not even the future Hall of Famer could raise the Terrible Towel to Super Bowl LX, which the Seahawks won in dominant fashion against the Patriots.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers walks off the field after a brutal loss to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round.
With Mike Tomlin out as a coach and Mike McCarthy in, the Steelers continue to have a busy offseason in free agency as they approach the NFL Draft in April. Speaking about the NFL Draft, sports experts like Bettingtop.co.nz have learned that the Steelers have received four compensatory draft picks to continue overhauling their roster.
For the 2026 NFL Draft, the Steelers will have 12 total picks. Here's a quick breakdown of the compensatory picks:
Third round: 99th overall pick
Fourth round: 135 overall pick
Sixth round: 214th and 216th overall picks
The NFL awards compensatory picks to teams that have lost many players in free agency, which is the case for the Steelers. So far, Pittsburgh has parted ways with tight end Jonnu Smith. The Steelers also lost running back Kenneth Gainwell to the Bucs. James Pierre and Isaac Seumalo will wear Vikings and Cardinals jerseys for 2026.
However, Pittsburgh has had some solid signings to help build depth. Asante Samuel Jr. renewed with the Black and Gold for one year. The Steelers also retain the services of Cole Holcomb and Cam Heyward, while signing Darnell Savage and Jamal Dean in free agency.
With 12 picks to play with, the Steelers have a lot of flexibility and room for potential trades. Currently, Pittsburgh picks 21st in the first round. The Steelers also have the 53rd overall pick in the second round. Besides looking for a successor at quarterback, the Steelers are in great need to revamp their secondary.
Many sports experts mention the great possibility of Pittsburgh drafting engaging prospects like cornerback Avieon Terrell. If drafted, he could be a great pairing with Joey Porter Jr. If Aaron Rodgers returns for a second season, he will need some offensive help. Look for the Steelers to add playmakers at wide receiver, including promising prospects such as Zachariah Branch.
The real intrigue is what the Steelers can do with three third-round picks. They can use them to beef up the defensive interior line and help stop the run better. The third round is also fun for finding pass-rushing specialists; they could revive the Steelers' legendary defensive blitzes. Of course, Pittsburgh could package its third-round picks to move up to draft the quarterback of the future.
The Crimson White / Clara Kee
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson celebrates after scoring a touchdown during a home game in 2025.
Ty Simpson could fall late in the first round and into the second, so if Simpson is their man, Pittsburgh could bundle picks to draft Ty Simpson and have him learn behind Rodgers for one year. For a more traditional pocket passer, the Steelers could scoop up Garrett Nussmeier out of LSU as well.