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Last offseason, the Detroit Lions went on a spending spree in free agency. Seeking to help the defense and finally get themselves some tight ends worth playing (boy, that seemed to work really well), general manager Bob Quinn had no problem pulling out his checkbook for some top free agents.
Because the Lions spent way more than they lost in 2019 free agency, it comes as little surprise that they are projected to receiver zero compensatory picks according to Over The Cap’s latest estimates.
If you need a reminder of the comings and goings of last year’s free agency period, here are the notable ins and outs of the Lions’ moves:
Lost:
- Kerry Hyder
- Ezekiel Ansah
- Nick Bellore
- Levine Toilolo
Gained:
- Trey Flowers
- Justin Coleman
- Danny Amendola
- Jesse James
- Rashaan Melvin
Compensatory picks—which range from third to seventh round—are awarded based on a complicated formula that takes into account the players added and lost to free agency, adjusting by quality of player and size of the contract signed. After the Lions signed Flowers to a five-year, $90 million deal and Justin Coleman to a four-year, $36 million contract, it ended any chance of the Lions receiving any additional picks.
Interestingly enough, however, those big signings were enough for other teams to receive picks. Per Over The Cap, the Patriots are projected to land a third-round pick because of the Flowers signing and the Seahawks are projected to earn a fourth-round pick because of the Coleman signing. And just in case you were curious, the Eagles are projected to get a fourth-round pick for letting Golden Tate go after trading a third to get him from the Lions last year.