When you’re a team trying to reset after a frustrating season, every draft pick matters, and the Detroit Lions may be in line for a little bonus help from the league in 2026.
According to the latest projections from OverTheCap, the Lions are currently expected to receive one compensatory pick in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. That may not sound glamorous, but in Brad Holmes’ hands, a fourth-round pick is basically another dart to throw at finding long-term roster value.
And honestly, given how this roster is aging in key spots, extra swings matter.
Why the Lions Are Projected to Receive a Comp Pick
The NFL hands out 32 compensatory picks every year to teams that lose more qualifying free agents, coaches, or executives than they add. You can get up to four max. It’s essentially the league’s way of saying, “Sorry your guys left… here’s a coupon.”
In Detroit’s case, the big trigger this time around is the departure of cornerback Carlton Davis.
OverTheCap’s formula weighs contracts, playing time, and performance. Here’s how the Lions netted out:
Compensatory Free Agents Lost
- Carlton Davis (CB)
- Ifeatu Melifonwu (S)
- Kevin Zeitler (OL)
Compensatory Free Agents Signed
- D.J. Reed (CB)
- Roy Lopez (DL)
Because Davis graded in the 5th–10th percentile impact range under OTC’s scoring model, and because the Lions lost one more qualifying player than they gained, Detroit sits in line for a fourth-round compensatory pick.
Not bad for a player who wasn’t going to be part of the long-term picture anyway.
Wait… Didn’t the Lions Already Have Comp Picks?
They did, and they traded them.
Detroit previously received compensatory selections tied to the departure of former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, but those were used in the move to acquire Isaac TeSlaa.
So now, this projected 2026 fourth-rounder becomes the new bonus asset in the cupboard.
Bonus: Detroit Could Earn Even More Comp Picks
There’s another interesting wrinkle.
Under the league’s minority advancement resolution, teams can also receive compensatory selections if a minority coach or executive from their organization is hired as a head coach or general manager elsewhere.
Given how respected Detroit’s front office and coaching tree have become… yeah, that door is absolutely still open.
Don Drysdale
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