Steelers’ Draft Plans Disrupted by James Daniels’ Injury
Former Starter Faces Major Setback
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a wealth of picks, a strategy meticulously crafted by general manager Omar Khan. Over recent months, Khan has stockpiled assets, allowing the team to navigate free agency with an eye on maximizing compensatory picks. However, a significant injury to former Steelers guard James Daniels may jeopardize this carefully laid plan.
Daniels, who now plays for the Miami Dolphins, has sustained a pectoral injury that will sideline him for an extended period. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed that Daniels is expected to miss at least a month, though there is hope he could return at some point during the regular season.
Impact on Compensatory Picks
The injury presents a troubling scenario for the Steelers, who were counting on a compensatory draft pick as a result of Daniels’ contract with Miami. OverTheCap had projected that Pittsburgh would receive a sixth-round pick due to Daniels’ lucrative three-year, $24 million deal aimed at bolstering protection for Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. However, with Daniels likely to miss a considerable number of games, he may not meet the playing time threshold necessary for the Steelers to benefit from this compensation.
This situation is particularly unfortunate for Daniels, who has faced significant injury setbacks throughout his career. After two productive seasons with the Steelers, where he established himself as a reliable interior lineman, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in 2024, effectively ending his time in Pittsburgh. His departure via free agency came as the Steelers transitioned to Mason McCormick, who emerged as a promising player on the offensive line.
Future Prospects for Pittsburgh
With Daniels now out of the equation, the Steelers may have to look elsewhere for potential compensatory picks. The rules allow teams to claim a maximum of four compensatory picks per draft year, and another former player, such as Donte Jackson, could step in to provide Pittsburgh with the sixth-round selection they were hoping to secure from Daniels.
As the Steelers move forward, they will monitor the developments surrounding their former player while keeping their focus on the upcoming draft. The injury to Daniels serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NFL, where opportunities can shift in an instant.
Fans will be keen to see how this affects the Steelers’ roster decisions and overall draft strategy as they aim to build a competitive team for the future.
