In the NFL, believe it or not, the rich keep getting richer. The league on Friday announced the list of compensatory picks for the upcoming NFL draft, with the New England Patriots gaining two addition third-round selections – a haul better than most every other team in the NFL. Also afforded two extra third-rounders? The Los Angeles Rams, of course, who fell 13-3 to the Patriots in Super Bowl 53 earlier this month.
New England was also awarded a sixth-round pick and seventh-round pick, bringing their total of compensatory selections since the process was introduced in 1994 to 39, a number behind that of only the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, and Dallas Cowboys. The team now has 12 picks in the draft altogether.
And in other news…
NFL awarded compensatory draft picks today – Patriots and Rams each received two third-round picks. The full list, per sources: pic.twitter.com/NDYBU01WKA
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 22, 2019
Compensatory picks are given to teams to account for offseason losses in free agency. The Patriots were always poised to earn valuable compensatory selections this year after tackle Nate Solder, wide receiver Danny Amendola, and safety Malcolm Butler, among others, signed elsewhere last spring.
Solder signed a four-year, $62 million deal with the Giants making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league. His presence alone couldn't fix what ailed New York up front, though, as the team allowed 47 sacks.
Butler signed a similarly lengthy and lucrative deal with the Tennessee Titans, finishing the 2018 season with 69 tackles, three interceptions, and 12 passes defended. Amendola, meanwhile, caught 59 passes for 575 yards and a touchdown last season for the Miami Dolphins after signing a two-year, $12 million contract in free agency.
New England was bound to be in the championship picture next season even before Friday's news. With two additional compensatory picks, Bill Belichick's team seems poised to have an even better chance at defending its title.
Follow Us
Subscribe