Wednesday's New England Patriots-Los Angeles Rams trade involving Sony Michel hit a brief snag before it was made official.
The original deal sent Michel to L.A. in exchange for a 2022 sixth-round draft pick and a conditional 2022 fifth-rounder that would convert to a fourth-rounder if the Rams were given a fourth-round compensatory pick for the 2022 NFL Draft. Those terms turned out to be illegal.
Rams GM explains why team traded for Michel
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The Athletic reports the Patriots and Rams were forced to revise the terms as teams are not allowed to put any conditions on a trade for a compensatory pick. As a result, the deal was tweaked and the Patriots will receive a 2023 fourth-round pick to go with the 2022 sixth-rounder. Unlike the previous agreement, the revised trade guarantees New England a fourth-round selection.
NFL teams weren't allowed to trade compensatory picks until 2016, so it isn't a total surprise both teams were unaware of the rule. Nonetheless, it didn't end up being a major inconvinience for either side as the trade went through and Michel showed up to Rams camp on Thursday.