Analyzing the Panthers’ future compensatory picks

There are a lot of things to talk about over the course of the NFL offseason. Compensatory picks ultimately wind up being part of that conversation and the Carolina Panthers may have some interest in that regard.

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How could those Carolina Panthers picks look in the near future? Let’s get into it below to find out about the compensatory formula and what kind of impact it could have on the Carolina Panther’s picks in 2026.

Compensatory Picks. So, how does all of this impact the Carolina Panther’s picks? Well, compensatory picks are awarded to teams who have lost more qualifying free agents than they have gained. Teams get picks between Rounds 3 and 7 based on a formula that takes into account the player’s snap count, average salary per year, and postseason awards.

Teams will also be awarded with two third-round picks, in consecutive years, when a minority coach or executive is hired as a head coach or general manager by another team. If defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero gets promoted to a head coaching position, the Panthers would benefit.

Potential 2025 Impacts. As of right now, it doesn’t seem likely that the Carolina Panthers picks will change going into the 2025 draft. They dealt Brian Burns to the New York Giants, which has no impact on the formula. Likewise, they got receiver Diontae Johnson via trade.

The team did lose LB Frankie Luvu to free agency but signed guards Damian Lewis and Robert Hunt. Since they signed more players than they lost, the Panthers shouldn’t get a compensatory pick in 2025.

Potential 2026 Impacts. When it comes to Carolina Panthers picks 2026, that’s another story. They have a number of free agents on the docket, including Johnson, QB Andy Dalton, OL Austin Corbett, CB Jaycee Horn, and DE K’Lavon Chaisson.

Losing high-end starters like Corbett, Johnson, and Horn – who could get the franchise tag – would leave them in a position to garner compensatory picks. For a young team that is currently in the stages of rebuilding, having more picks is always better.

Not Done Adding. The only way they would avoid compensatory picks is to re-sign those players and/or sign others. Given how many holes the roster has, it isn’t out of the realm of possibility for both to happen.

Johnson will get an extended look to see how he pairs with young QB Bryce Young. Chaisson is on a friendly deal now but if he has a strong year, he’ll likely get a big-money deal in free agency. Keeping Corbett in the picture could be worthwhile but there is seemingly always someone available from a free-agent perspective.

While it would be nice to add picks to their coffers, that isn’t a priority for the Carolina Panthers. They need to make the team around Young better, whether that be through the draft or free agency.