Packers: Compensatory pick deadline helps in free agency

If the Green Bay Packers are going to build on their work in the draft by signing a free agent or two, starting this week would make sense.

According to ESPN’s Field Yates, this afternoon, the deadline will pass for free-agent signings to count towards next year’s compensatory draft pick formula.

Compensatory picks are awarded based on your team’s signings and departures in free agency. If you lose a ton of talent in free agency and don’t make many additions, there’s a good chance you’ll land a few additional picks the following year. But from today, any new signings won’t hurt your chances of receiving compensatory selections in 2022.

So far in free agency, the Packers have lost All-Pro center Corey Linsley and running back Jamaal Williams. It’s possible they will receive a couple of compensatory picks next year as a result. And considering they haven’t signed any free agents from other teams, they have an even greater chance.

So, if the Packers are to add a free agent at inside linebacker, defensive tackle, safety, or (dare I say it) quarterback, beginning that process this afternoon would be a smart strategy.

As Yates noted, there are still a number of talented players still available including cornerback Richard Sherman, edge rusher Justin Houston, and inside linebacker K.J. Wright.

Players who were released by their former teams, such as cornerback Casey Hayward and now tackle Charles Leno, won’t count against the compensatory pick formula even before this deadline.

Expect to see some more free-agent signings across the league this week. Along with this deadline being passed, teams also have a better idea of where they need to strengthen now that the 2021 NFL Draft is in the books.

A position that stands out for the Packers is inside linebacker, and perhaps signing another defensive tackle would make sense.