In years past, the decision to give Alex Cobb a qualifying offer would likely be an easier choice. In previous seasons, if you extended the qualifying offer the team would receive a compensation pick after the first round and the signing team would give up their highest unprotected pick.
Instead, this is the first year of the new rules, and it’s complicated.
Teams will now receive a compensation pick ranging from after the first round to after the fourth round depending upon the team’s revenue sharing status. The signing team will have to give up a pick ranging from the team’s second and fifth highest picks (as well as relinquishing $1 million in international free agency pool money the following summer for those who are above the luxury tax threshold), down to a team’s third highest pick if that team receives revenue sharing money (with no international spending allotments surrendered).