The NFL’s compensatory pick projections for the 2026 draft are out, and the New Orleans Saints are expected to land one - a fourth-rounder - thanks to the departure of cornerback Paulson Adebo. It’s a familiar story for a franchise that’s quietly turned compensatory picks into a valuable pipeline over the years.
Let’s break down what this means, how the Saints got here, and why this franchise has a track record of making these bonus picks count.
How Compensatory Picks Work - And Why the Saints Are Getting One
Compensatory picks are the NFL’s way of leveling the playing field when teams lose more free agents than they bring in. The league uses a formula that factors in the size of the contract a departing player signs elsewhere, along with how that player performs in his first season with the new team. No comp pick can be higher than the third round, but even a fourth-rounder can carry serious value - especially for a front office that knows how to scout and develop talent.
In this case, the Saints are projected to receive a fourth-round pick after losing Paulson Adebo in free agency. Adebo signed a three-year, $54 million deal with the New York Giants and delivered a solid first season in blue: 73 tackles, eight passes defended, and one interception. That’s enough to qualify as a mid-tier free agent loss, and it positions the Saints to add another Day 3 selection to their draft arsenal.
That projected fourth-rounder would be New Orleans’ fifth pick on Day 3 of the draft - a day that’s often overlooked by casual fans but can be a goldmine for teams that know how to find value in the later rounds.
The Saints’ History with Comp Picks: Quietly Productive
This marks the third straight year the Saints will receive a compensatory pick, and the eighth time they’ve been awarded one since the system was implemented in 1994. While that might not sound like a lot over three decades, what matters more is how the Saints have used those picks - and in several cases, they’ve absolutely nailed them.
Take Trey Hendrickson, for example. Drafted with a compensatory pick in 2017, Hendrickson didn’t light the league on fire right away, but he developed into a serious pass-rushing threat.
His breakout came in 2020 with 13.5 sacks, and he’s continued to produce at a high level since moving on to Cincinnati. That’s the kind of return you dream of from a comp pick - a player who matures into a Pro Bowl-caliber talent, even if it takes a few years.
Then there’s Marcus Colston - arguably the crown jewel of the Saints’ compensatory pick history. Selected in 2006, Colston didn’t just exceed expectations; he rewrote the Saints’ record books.
Over 10 seasons, he hauled in 711 receptions for 9,759 yards and 72 touchdowns - all franchise records at the time of his retirement. A seventh-round comp pick turning into one of the most productive receivers in team history?
That’s the definition of maximizing value.
Looking Ahead: Fadil Diggs and the 2026 Draft
Last year’s compensatory pick was defensive end Fadil Diggs, a seventh-rounder who didn’t see much playing time in his rookie season. That’s not unusual for late-round defenders, and the Saints will be hoping he takes a step forward in 2026. Development takes time, especially in the trenches, and Diggs will have every opportunity to carve out a role if he can show growth in year two.
As for this year’s projected fourth-round comp pick, it’s another chance for the Saints to add depth - or maybe even strike gold again. With a deep class expected in several key positions, this extra selection could give the Saints flexibility to address needs or take a swing on a high-upside prospect.
Final Thoughts
Compensatory picks don’t always generate headlines, but for teams like the Saints, they’re an underrated part of the roster-building process. Whether it’s a future Pro Bowler like Hendrickson, a franchise legend like Colston, or a developmental piece like Diggs, New Orleans has shown it knows how to make the most of these bonus opportunities.
Now, with another one on the way in April, the Saints will look to keep that tradition going - one smart pick at a time.