Compensatory Draft Picks Released; Panthers Are Big Winners

The NFL announced 32 compensatory picks for 23 NFL teams on Monday. The formula used to determine compensatory picks is a secret around the NFL and it’s never been released exactly how the league determines who receives a compensatory pick but

The formula has something to do with salary, postseason honors and playing time but we’re not quite sure exactly how it works. Basically, if you lose a top free agent to free agency, you could be eligible to receive a draft pick -- from rounds 3-7 -- in return. These are additional picks added onto the already existent draft order. It’s a way of keeping the competitive balance in the league.