The Baltimore Ravens have once again positioned themselves to benefit from the NFL’s compensatory pick system. According to Over the Cap, the Ravens are projected to receive three comp picks in the 2026 NFL Draft after letting several key free agents walk this offseason.
As it stands, Baltimore is in line for a pair of fifth-rounders—one for offensive lineman Patrick Mekari (Jacksonville Jaguars) and another for defensive back Brandon Stephens (New York Jets)—plus a seventh-rounder for Josh Jones (Seattle Seahawks). While they did sign wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, his contract offsets the departure of linebacker Malik Harrison and doesn’t cancel out the others.
This is nothing new for the Ravens, who remain one of the league’s most consistent comp pick winners.
Ravens projected to once again take advantage of NFL's compensatory pick formula in 2026
The NFL awards compensatory picks to teams that lose more qualifying free agents than they sign, based on a formula that factors in average salary, snap counts, and awards. Baltimore has long understood how to play this better than anyone.
Rather than go out of their way to sign free agents, the Ravens operate selectively and believe in internal development. They continuously prioritize that internal continuity, let mid-level veterans walk, and stay disciplined when other AFC contenders go on spending sprees. That’s why, once again, they’re looking at a projected extra three draft picks in 2026—without doing much of anything in return. It's a pretty sound strategy. Work smarter, not harder.
Here’s what they’re currently projected to receive:
- 5th-round pick for Patrick Mekari ($12.5M/year)
- 5th-round pick for Brandon Stephens ($12M/year)
- 7th-round pick for Josh Jones ($4M/year)
The addition of Hopkins ($5M/year) cancels out Malik Harrison’s $5 million per year deal with Pittsburgh, so that’s a wash.
For a team that just landed 11 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft—including four comp picks—this is how you stay deep without overspending. Eric DeCosta and his staff know they can’t just keep everyone in Charm City long-term, so they find value in letting others walk and turning them into future assets. Again, smarter > harder.
It’s part of why the Ravens stay competitive every year. The accessory names change, but the approach doesn’t. And with three more picks likely coming their way in 2026, the machine keeps rolling.