Too Many Bears Free Agent Signings

It's been speculated on greatly before already this offseason by people with nothing better to do than watch for extra draft picks being awarded after the seventh round of an NFL Draft, but the Bears will not be getting compensatory picks next draft.

It probably goes without saying when you're a rebuilding team because comp picks get awarded based on losing free agents, and rebuilding teams are in the gathering phase rather than the losing talent phase.

NFL.com's Lance Zierlein on Monday added to the voices saying the Bears would get nothing and like it when it comes to compensatory picks for 2024.

They drafted safety Kendall Williamson with their only extra pick this year, but it was almost at the end of Round 7, No. 258 overall. And technically it wasn't a compensatory pick but was a supplemental pick.

Supplemental picks are compensatory picks awarded if the number of compensatory selections given out is fewer than the number of NFL teams. There are 32 NFL teams. Because there were only 30 comp picks scheduled to be given out for 2023, then added supplemental choices are given to clubs based upon draft order. The Bears got one of two supplemental picks. Houston received the other.

Zierlein has the Bears, Falcons, Panthers, Broncos, Browns, Lions, Texans, Raiders, Colts, Texans, Chargers, Dolphins, Vikings, Patriots, Giants, Steelers, Seahawks, Buccaneers, Titans and Commanders not getting a compensatory pick next year.

So basically, it's the same old same old for teams getting the most comp picks.

The 49er and Rams always seem to be up there receiving comp picks and should again, as Zierlein says two third-rounders, two fifth-rounders and a sixth-rounder for the 49ers while the Rams rake in two sixth-rounders and two seventh-rounders.

Only the Packers from the NFC North should get comp picks, Zierlein says. He has Green Bay receiving a fifth and two sixths.

Comp picks are awarded based on free agent loss and the Bears did lose David Montgomery and Riley Reiff but they signed a slew of free agents including linebackers T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds, guard Nate Davis and defensive linemen DeMarcus Walker and Andrew Billings. Those signings more than offset their free agency losses.

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