NFL reveals Falcons' punishment for tampering with Kirk Cousins and more
The NFL's investigation into the Atlanta Falcons' illegal tampering with Kirk Cousins has come to an end. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the league found that the Falcons violated the NFL's logistical and administrative contact rules, such as making travel plans after deals were agreed upon. The league did not find that the Falcons made […]
The NFL's investigation into the Atlanta Falcons' illegal tampering with Kirk Cousins has come to an end.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the league found that the Falcons violated the NFL's logistical and administrative contact rules, such as making travel plans after deals were agreed upon. The league did not find that the Falcons made contact with players before the legal negotiating window opened in March.
As punishment, the Falcons have been docked a 2025 fifth-round pick for violating the league’s anti-tampering policy with not only quarterback Kirk Cousins but also wide receiver Darnell Mooney and tight Charlie Woerner.
Peliserro adds that the club will be fined $250,000 and general manager Terry Fontenot is being fined $50,000.
"While the policy permits clubs to engage with and negotiate all aspects of an NFL player contract with the certified agent of any prospective unrestricted free agent during the two-day negotiating period, any direct contact between the player and an employee or representative of the club is prohibited," the NFL explained in a press release. "This includes discussion of travel arrangements or other logistical matters, which the club acknowledges took place with regard to these three players."
The Falcons responded to the league's conclusion with their own personal statement, promising to improve moving forward.
"We are pleased this review is complete," the Falcons said. "We cooperated fully with the league and its review, and appreciate the NFL's thoroughness. As we do with every process, we will review how we operate and look for ways to improve."
With the fifth-round pick docked from next year's draft, the Falcons are down to five draft selections in the 2025 NFL Draft.
In more tampering investigation news, the NFL also announced that after a thorough review of the Philadelphia Eagles signing of running back Saquon Barkley, they did not discover sufficient evidence to support a finding that the anti-tampering policy was violated.
