The 2026 NFL Draft is over, and all the picks that have been traded and earned throughout the year have become actual players. That includes compensatory picks, where the league awards teams that lose pricey free agents an extra draft selection in return.
How did the Steelers get a compensatory pick for Donte Jackson?
The Steelers’ final compensatory pick in this year’s draft came from cornerback Donte Jackson, who signed with the Chargers in 2025 free agency after a five-interception season in Pittsburgh in 2024. The Los Angeles Chargers signed him to a two-year,
$13-million deal
- Steelers receive: 2026 sixth-round pick (No. 216)
What did the Steelers do with the compensatory pick from Donte Jackson?
The Steelers traded the 216th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft as part of a move up in the third round. They coupled 99 and 216 to move up to 96 and select Iowa tackle Gennings Dunker.
How was Donte Jackson’s performance for the Chargers in 2025?
Jackson started 15 games for the Chargers in 2025, keeping his ball production streak going with four interceptions and 12 passes defensed. He was a key contributor to a defense that ranked top five in passing defense and interceptions.
Long seen as an inconsistent defender, Jackson turned in arguably the best season of his career in LA. PFF graded him as the 24th-best cornerback in the NFL with a 71.9 overall score. He allowed just a 56.3 passer rating when targeted in coverage.
Now 30 years old, Jackson is entering the last year of his Chargers contract in 2026 entrenched in a starting role.
What is a compensatory pick?
Compensatory picks are awarded to teams that suffer a net loss of qualifying free agents during the previous year’s free agency period. So 2026 NFL Draft compensatory picks are awarded due to free agents lost in 2025.
Then those player are ranked on the amount of salary, playing time, and a bunch of other criteria and slotted into the end of rounds three through seven.
