The Los Angeles Rams have lost some marquee players in free agency over the last few years, but fortunately, the NFL compensates teams for their losses with draft picks. Compensatory draft picks can be very valuable and teams like the Rams, Patriots and Ravens have capitalized on the system by letting their high-priced free agents leave.
In the last two years, the Rams have received three third-round compensatory picks and two seventh-rounders. They’re in line to receive a few more in next year’s draft, too, after losing Cory Littleton and Dante Fowler Jr. in free agency.
According to Over the Cap, the Rams are projected to be awarded two compensatory picks in 2021: a third-rounder for Fowler and a fourth for Littleton. The Rams also lost Greg Zuerlein, but their addition of A’Shawn Robinson canceled that seventh-rounder out.
The compensatory pick formula isn’t public knowledge and even team executives aren’t exactly sure how the process works. However, it’s primarily based on contract value and also accounts for playing time, post-season awards such as All-Pro honors.
Fowler signed a three-year, $48 million contract with the Falcons after spending one and a half seasons with the Rams. Littleton left Los Angeles to join the Raiders, signing a three-year, $35.25 million contract.
The Rams would’ve gotten compensatory picks if they lost Andrew Whitworth and Michael Brockers, too, but they were able to retain them with three-year deals for each player.
