The Detroit Lions may have lost a valuable draft pick due to a loophole in the NFL's compensatory pick formula. This situation arose following the loss of player D.J. Reader.
And honestly? It is hard to argue against that point.
Detroit Lions compensatory picks
Detroit Lions compensatory picks
D.J. Reader signing exposes flaw in NFL compensatory pick system
The NFL created compensatory picks to help teams recover after losing key free agents. In theory, the system rewards organizations that lose more talent than they add by handing out extra draft picks the following year.
But there is one major catch.
Once the NFL Draft ends, any free-agent signings no longer count toward the compensatory formula. That means teams can wait until after the draft to sign players without negatively impacting their projected compensatory picks.
That is exactly where the Giants and Reader situation becomes controversial.
Giants had clear incentive to wait
Reader officially agreed to a two-year, $12.5 million deal with the New York Giants shortly after the NFL Draft concluded.
On the surface, that timing might not seem unusual. Veterans often wait until after the draft to evaluate roster situations or avoid offseason programs.
But Reisman pointed out several details that make this case feel different.
Q&A
What draft pick did the Detroit Lions potentially lose?
The Detroit Lions potentially lost a valuable draft pick due to flaws in the NFL's compensatory pick formula.
Why is the NFL compensatory pick formula considered flawed?
Many believe the NFL compensatory pick formula has a major loophole that negatively affects teams like the Detroit Lions.
Who is D.J. Reader and how does his departure impact the Lions?
D.J. Reader is a player whose departure has contributed to the Detroit Lions losing out on draft compensation.
What are compensatory picks in the NFL?
Compensatory picks are additional draft selections awarded to teams that lose more or better free agents than they acquire.
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Reader reportedly visited the Giants on April 13, roughly 10 days before the draft. Not long after that visit, reports surfaced suggesting New York was already expected to sign him.
Then came the timing.
The deal was finalized only after compensatory pick calculations no longer applied.
Detroit Lions potentially lose extra draft pick
The impact on Detroit could be significant.
According to the report, the Lions are currently projected to receive two sixth-round compensatory picks in 2027. If Readerās departure had counted within the formula, Detroit potentially could have added another sixth-round selection.
Instead, the Lions receive nothing additional for losing a productive veteran defensive tackle.
Meanwhile, the Giants benefit.
As Reisman explained, New York is currently projected to earn a fourth-round compensatory pick after wide receiver WanāDale Robinson signed a lucrative deal with the Titans. If Readerās contract had counted against the formula, that projected pick likely would have dropped.
In other words, the Giants had every reason to wait.
NFL loophole drawing increased criticism
Even if nothing improper technically occurred, the situation has reignited criticism surrounding the NFLās compensatory system.
The rule itself may have originally been designed with good intentions, possibly to encourage veteran signings later in the offseason. But teams now appear to be strategically working around it.
And according to Reisman, the entire purpose of the system is being undermined.
āIf the purpose of the compensatory pick system is to reward teams that lose talented players, thereās no good reason Detroit shouldnāt get the benefit of compensation for losing Reader,ā Reisman argued.
That is the core of the issue.
The Lions lost a valuable player. The Giants gained one. Yet because of timing, Detroit receives no additional compensation.
Detroit Lions latest example of larger NFL problem
The Giants are far from the first team to benefit from this loophole, and they almost certainly will not be the last.
But the Reader situation shines a spotlight on how outdated the rule may be.
For Detroit, it is frustrating timing.
For the NFL, it may be another sign that the compensatory formula needs serious reevaluation.
Because right now, the system meant to create balance may actually be doing the opposite.
