Steelers Trade Compensatory Pick for Tackle Dunker

0:00On April 27th, the Steelers snagged a compensatory 6-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after losing cornerback Dante Jackson to the E. Chargers in 2025 free agency. Jackson signed a two-year $13 million deal there following a five-interception breakout with Pittsburgh the year before. That extra pick, number 2 and 16, though overall, helped them maneuver in the draft. Compensatory picks go to teams that lose more high-value free agents than they gain based on contracts, snaps and performance. They're tacked on to the end of rounds three through seven. For the Steelers, Jackson's departure qualified them for this one, turning a net loss into draft ammo. Jackson balled out in Los Angeles last season, starting 15 games with four picks and 12 passes knocked away. He fueled a top five passing defense, earning his best grades yet, 24th among corners per PFF, with a 71.9 score. Jackson saw him shed that inconsistent label for good.

1:01Pittsburgh flipped that sixth rounder, along with their 99th pick, to jump up to 96th in the third round. They grabbed Iowa tackle Jennings Dunker right there, bolstering the line without spending a higher asset. Now 30, Jackson heads into the final year of his charger deal, locked as a starter. This deal of smart trade shows how these picks keep rosters evolving, even after the losses hit. I'm Cory with the story. Watch your NFL news today update, AI powered and always on.