Ravens, Steelers, Eagles Lead NFL Draft with 4 Compensatory Picks Each

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The NFL announced a total of 33 compensatory picks for the upcoming 2026 draft, with the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Philadelphia Eagles each receiving four additional selections. The compensatory system is designed to reward teams that develop coaching and executive talent and lose more qualifying free agents than they sign.

Why it matters

Compensatory picks provide teams with valuable opportunities to add depth and talent to their rosters at a lower cost, especially in the third round where impact starters can often be found. The Ravens, Steelers, and Eagles' ability to maximize their compensatory selections could give them a competitive edge in the 2026 draft.

The details

The compensatory picks will be distributed from the end of the third round through the seventh round during the three-day 2026 NFL Draft. The league's formula factors in several performance indicators tied to the departing player's new contract, including adjusted average annual salary, snap counts, playing time, and postseason honors. Only free agents who rank within the top tier of salary and performance metrics are counted toward the formula, meaning higher-profile departures generally produce higher compensatory selections.

• The 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place from April 23 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
• The league announced the 33 compensatory picks on March 10, 2026.

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where the compensatory picks will be distributed from the end of the third round through the seventh round.