Compensatory picks turn into free players for shrewd teams.
Miami off season moves considering compensatory picks.
The NFL awards teams Compensatory Draft picks based on a complex formula that puts a draft pick value on the quality of unrestricted free agents that a specific team losses compared to the quality of unrestricted free agents that a team acquires from the prior year. In 2016, the Dolphins were not awarded any Compensatory Draft picks because the signing of Suh out weighed any of their free agent losses of last free agency period. This off season is different, Miami moves are being made with the consideration of compensatory picks.
Several reports and insiders are saying that Tannenbaum are being extra conscientious of the Compensatory Draft Formula because this off season they lost quite a few free agents that garnered a large amount of money from other teams. So based on the complex formula the Miami brass believes that they are in line to possibly be awarded a 3rd and 5th round Compensatory Draft pick in the 2017 Draft. However, that can all change if Miami does make any more notable free agent signings.
Many sports gambling fans are under the assumption that Miami has tightened their fiscal belt because they have yet to had success from being the biggest spender in free agency. There is definitely some truth to this, however the main reason they have not been more active in terms of finding a top rated Guard or Cornerback in free agency is because they are more concentrated on gaining those Compensatory Draft Picks.
Quddus and Branch signing nullified compensatory picks from Matthews and Shelby.
Just look at the Dolphins three biggest moves this off season as evidence of this mindset. Mario Williams was cut by the Bills, so as a result his signing has absolutely no effect on the Compensatory Draft matrix. The other notable move the Dolphins made was the trade with the Eagles to acquire Maxwell and Alonso, which also has zero effect on the Compensatory Draft matrix, since it is a trade. In addition, the Dolphins made a strong move to sign C.J. Anderson to an offer sheet, which would also not have had any effect into the Compensatory Draft formula, because he was a restricted free agent, and the formula only applies to unrestricted free agents.
So Miami Dolphins News fans should not expect Miami do make any more headline unrestricted free agent moves because the Dolphins want to assure that they do not lose out on the Compensatory Picks that they rightfully earned for losing practically their entire 2012 Draft Class. (Vernon, Miller, Matthews, and the undrafted Shelby.) It is still a shame because when you add in Tannehill to this list, this was probably the best draft class Miami has had in recent memory.
Lastly, after May 12th any unrestricted free agents that are signed, will not count towards the Compensatory Draft formula. So depending on what happens during the draft, Miami will then look at the free-agent discount bin to pick up a spare veteran part.