The Green Bay Packers are expected to receive two compensatory draft picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, though their impact may be minimal due to the timing of these selections. Both picks are projected to be late in the seventh round, according to Nick Korte of OverTheCap.com, a recognized authority on NFL draft compensation. The Packers will likely receive these picks as compensation for center Josh Myers, who signed with the New York Jets, and linebacker Eric Wilson, who joined the Minnesota Vikings. However, Wilson’s pick is particularly precarious, as it could end up being the final selection of the entire draft, earning the dubious title of “Mr. Irrelevant.”
Compensatory picks are determined by a formula that factors in player salaries and playing time. Teams that lose more valuable free agents than they acquire can receive these picks from the league. Last offseason, the Packers saw four players depart in free agency, including defensive tackle T.J. Slaton, who signed a two-year deal worth $14.1 million with the Cincinnati Bengals, and cornerback Eric Stokes, who inked a one-year contract for $4 million with the Las Vegas Raiders.
While the Packers could have benefited from higher compensatory picks, the signings of guard Aaron Banks and cornerback Nate Hobbs offset the potential gains. Banks’ four-year, $77 million contract has also led to the San Francisco 49ers being projected to receive a fourth-round pick in return.
Compensatory Picks History and Future Prospects
Historically, the Packers have been among the NFL’s most successful teams in acquiring compensatory picks. From 1994 to 2025, they have gained a total of 53 such picks, placing them third overall behind the Baltimore Ravens and the Dallas Cowboys. Notable players acquired through compensatory selections include right tackle Zach Tom and running back Aaron Jones, who emerged as standout contributors.
Despite this history, recent results in the seventh round have not been promising for the Packers. The last time they found success with a seventh-round compensatory selection was in 2004 with center Scott Wells. As the team looks ahead, they are poised for a potentially quiet offseason in terms of new signings, which could lead to further compensatory picks in the 2027 NFL Draft.
The list of unrestricted free agents for this offseason includes left tackle Rasheed Walker, quarterback Malik Willis, receiver Romeo Doubs, linebacker Quay Walker, interior lineman Sean Rhyan, and defensive end Kingsley Enagbare. Depending on their decisions, the Packers could receive up to four compensatory picks, potentially including third-round selections for Walker and Willis.
The concept of “Mr. Irrelevant” has been a part of the NFL Draft since 1976. The Packers have made this selection twice, first with LSU defensive back Norman Jefferson in 1987 and later with Army quarterback Ronnie McAda in 1997. Jefferson managed to play in 14 games over two seasons, while McAda, who humorously recalled his surprise at being labeled “irrelevant,” did not secure a lasting NFL career but did achieve a victory against Navy.
As the Packers prepare for the future, the potential impact of these compensatory picks remains uncertain, but they will continue to navigate the complexities of the NFL Draft landscape.
