The Baltimore Ravens lost another unrestricted free agent Tuesday, when wide receiver Kamar Aiken reached a one-year agreement with the Indianapolis Colts.
But the Ravens gained something in return -- an additional draft pick.
Baltimore should now qualify for two compensatory picks for the 2018 draft after losing five unrestricted free agents and signing three this offseason. It's projected the Ravens will get a third-round pick for offensive tackle Rick Wagner (signed with Lions) and a fifth-rounder for fullback Kyle Juszczyk (49ers).
The Ravens have been the NFL's best when it comes to accruing extra picks. They've been awarded an NFL-best 48 compensatory picks since the system began in 1994. That's 10 more than any other team in the league (the Green Bay Packers are second with 38).
Baltimore is currently plus-two in the comp-pick formula after losing Wagner, Juszczyk, Aiken, defensive end Lawrence Guy and guard Vladimir Ducasse and signing safety Tony Jefferson, running back Danny Woodhead and cornerback Brandon Carr. Players who've been cut by the Ravens like linebacker Elvis Dumervil and safety Lardarius Webb don't factor into the formula, so two comp picks will likely be their maximum.
This is why the Ravens won't sign an unrestricted free agent (whose contract expired with his last team) until May 9, when additions don't count against the comp pick formula. If Baltimore signs someone over the next two months, it would be a free agent who's been cut like offensive tackles Ryan Clady and King Dunlap; pass-rusher Mario Williams; wide receiver Victor Cruz; inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson; and center Nick Mangold.
Notable players who came to the Ravens as comp picks are: Wagner, Juszczyk, linebacker Pernell McPhee, punter Sam Koch, fullback Le'Ron McClain, offensive tackle Tony Pashos, running back Chester Taylor and guard Edwin Mulitalo.
"I think we have educated ourselves on how the comp pick [system] works," general manager Ozzie Newsome said last week. "So we know how we are able to acquire players and still be able to keep some of our comp picks, because we continue to lose high-value players to other teams."
