It’s not fun when a team loses a big name in free agency, but at least there’s a chance to mitigate the loss, somewhat, thanks to the NFL’s compensatory draft pick system.

How the actual system works is unknown, but the method of determining which teams receive what picks essentially boils down to as such: The bigger the contract signed by the departed player, the higher the draft pick, but teams will never receive anything higher than a third-rounder. But, the picks are cancelled out once teams sign a player, or players, in free agency. The NFL awards 32 picks, in all, each year and teams are given no more than four picks, apiece.

Nowadays, teams are also awarded third-round compensatory selections for two years if they lose a minority coach or executive to a promotion with another team. And, they receive individual picks for each coach/executive, like the San Francisco 49ers and DeMeco Ryans and Ran Carthon.

With the roster in the shape that it is and the Commanders’ $91+ million in cap space, it’s very likely the team is back in this same situation, next year, as well.