Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to have taken yet another hit to their 2026 compensatory draft pick formula.
It’s no secret the Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up to select a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, especially given their efforts to earn as many compensatory draft picks as possible. However, there’s a good chance they just lost out on another potential pick.
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the New York Jets are placing quarterback Justin Fields on season-ending injured reserve.
Jets now are placing QB Justin Fields on season-ending injured reserve.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 23, 2025
Fields, 26, signed a two-year, $40 million deal this offseason to be the Jets starting quarterback for the 2025 and maybe beyond, but he struggled mightily as New York began the season 2-7.
He was benched twice during the stretch, which already put Pittsburgh’s hopes of gaining a compensatory draft pick for him in jeopardy. Now that Fields’ season is over, it almost guarantees that won’t happen.
It’s a brutal blow for the Steelers, who have already potentially lost other compensatory draft picks throughout the season. Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris injured his eye before the season even started while New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson has also since been benched.
Only time will tell how many compensatory picks Pittsburgh will receive after molding its entire offseason with the hopes of maximizing its return. However, it is safe to assume the team will not be getting as many as it was originally expecting.
The Steelers are also knocking on the doorstep of a trip to the playoffs, which will only back up where they will be selecting come the NFL Draft.
Of course, Pittsburgh isn’t thinking about that now as it’s hoping to finally end its eight-year postseason win drought this season, but it will certainly be something the team will have to deal with come April.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Take Another Hit to 2026 Compensatory Draft Picks
