Dallas Cowboys Could Get Compensatory Pick For Jason Hatcher

The 2015 NFL Draft is still six months away. But with the Dallas Cowboys facing off against the Washington Redskins on Monday Night Football in two days, the possibility of additional picks in that draft have become relevant. And that’s due to former Cowboy turned Redskin Jason Hatcher.

The 32-year old defensive tackle hit the free agent market this offseason after having a career year with the Cowboys. Last season, Hatcher recorded 41 tackles, 11.0 sacks and was considered by many to be Dallas’ defensive MVP. But due to his age and expected price tag, Hatch was allowed to shop himself on the open market. And the NFC East rival Redskins’ ponied up a four-year, $27.5 million deal for the first time Pro Bowler.

Now, Hatcher makes his first inglorious return to Dallas. But his loss could be the Cowboys gain come draft day. As explained by ESPNDallas’ own Todd Archer, the departure of Hatcher could result in the arrival of an additional draft pick in 2015.

“(The Cowboys) could get a compensatory pick for losing Jason Hatcher as an unrestricted free agent. The Cowboys’ signing of Henry Melton could mitigate just how high of a pick it is, but they should get something for Hatcher. That is always something lost when we talk about teams not re-signing free agents. There is a convoluted formula the league uses to figure out compensatory picks based on players lost, players signed and how those players fared, but teams can earn extra picks if they work the free-agent market wisely.”

Dallas will know if they get any compensatory picks in February, as those selections are announced by the league during the annual NFL’s owners meeting. The Cowboys received three compensatory seventh round picks in this year’s draft due to the losses of  cornerback Mike Jenkins, linebacker Victor Butler, tight end John Phillips and defensive end Kenyon Coleman following the 2012 season.