Update on Akiem Hicks' departure and what it means for the Bears compensatory picks
One of the most complicated things in the NFL world is the compensatory picks. While it's not really hard to understand, it's still unknown to a lot of NFL fans.
So, how do compensatory picks work?
The number of compensatory picks allotted each year is limited to the number of teams in the league (32), per the collective bargaining agreement. However, compensatory picks are not divided up equally among the teams, and no team can receive more than four compensatory picks (in exchange for a player leaving) in a single year. To qualify for compensatory picks, teams must end up with more or better qualifying free agents lost than gained in a particular year.
Teams are awarded compensatory draft picks between rounds 3 and 7 based upon a league formula that takes into account a player's average salary per year (APY), snap count and postseason awards. While there is an expected level of compensation for a player based on the amount he has signed for, his playing time (or lack thereof) in the upcoming season could alter the expectation. - Lance Zierlein
Teams are awarded compensatory draft picks between rounds 3 and 7 based upon a league formula that takes into account a player's average salary per year (APY), snap count and postseason awards. While there is an expected level of compensation for a player based on the amount he has signed for, his playing time (or lack thereof) in the upcoming season could alter the expectation. - Lance Zierlein
However, while you would think the Hicks signings would give the Bears a better shot at a pick, it's worth noting his signing doesn't affect the Bears comp pick formula.
Unfortunately, the deadline for moving that factor into the formula had already passed. It looks like the Bears won't be getting any comp picks in 2023.
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