Lions 2026 Compensatory Pick Update

With the 2025 NFL Draft having come and gone, it's time to take a look at the compensatory picks that could be in store for the Lions in 2026.

First, let's dive into how compensatory picks are determined. 

For starters, NFL franchises that end up with more qualifying free agents lost than acquired in a particular year are eligible to receive compensatory selections. An organization that lost as many qualifying free agents as it gained might be eligible to receive a compensatory pick in the seventh round, predicated upon the value of the qualifying free agents it lost versus the value of the qualifying free agents it added.

Furthermore, teams are awarded compensatory picks between the third and seventh rounds based on a league formula that takes into account a player's average salary per year (APY), snap count and postseason awards. 

Additionally, teams are awarded compensatory selections in the third round (one each in consecutive drafts) when they lose a minority coach or executive to another organization as a head coach or general manager.

This was the case for the Lions with former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who was hired by the N.Y. Jets this offseason to be their head coach. As a result, Detroit received a compensatory pick in the third round of this past April's draft (No. 102 overall). Plus, it was set to earn another compensatory third-round selection (to be determined) in next year's draft.