Packers could receive multiple compensatory draft picks in 2022

This year, the Green Bay Packers were awarded with three compensatory draft picks.

That was after losing Blake Martinez, Bryan Bulaga, and Kyler Fackrell in free agency a year ago. Two of the Packers’ biggest offseason moves included signing Christian Kirksey and Rick Wagner, but neither counted against the compensatory pick formula as they were released by their previous teams.

Free agency is still ongoing in 2021 but the early signs show the Packers could be on their way to receiving more compensatory draft picks a year from now.

As of yet, the Packers are yet to sign an unrestricted free agent who would count against them when determining who will receive next year’s compensatory draft picks.

Very soon, the deadline will pass for consideration for next year’s compensatory picks. That deadline was on April 27 last year. Whenever that deadline is reached this year, any signings beyond then won’t count towards next year’s compensatory pick consideration.

Corey Linsley’s departure could mean the Packers are due for good compensation in next year’s draft. The first-team All-Pro signed a five-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers worth $62.5 million. Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated predicted the Packers could receive a fourth-round pick in return for losing Linsley.

At this stage, it seems unlikely Green Bay will make a move in free agency that will alter that. The team doesn’t have the cap room available to make a deal like the one Linsley signed with the Chargers.

The question is will the compensatory pick Green Bay receives for Linsley be the only one? Or will Jamaal Williams’ departure also bring back an additional draft pick? Williams signed a two-year deal worth $6 million with the Detroit Lions. It’s possible the Packers could receive a late-round pick as compensation next year.

One thing is for sure: Green Bay should receive at least one compensatory pick in 2022.