NFL Cracks Down on Falcons for Tampering with Kirk Cousins and Others
The Atlanta Falcons have been penalized by the NFL for improperly pursuing quarterback Kirk Cousins and two other free agents. The team will forfeit a 2025 fifth-round draft pick and pay a $250,000 fine.
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The league announced the penalties on Thursday, stating that the Falcons had “improper contact” with Cousins, wide receiver Darnell Mooney, and tight end Charlie Woerner. The Falcons’ general manager, Terry Fontenot, was also fined $50,000 for the violations.
According to the NFL, the Falcons engaged in direct contact with the players during the negotiating period, which is prohibited. This included discussing travel arrangements and other logistical matters.
“While the (NFL’s tampering) 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,” the league said in a statement, “any direct contact between the player and an employee or representative of the club is prohibited.”
The NFL began investigating the Falcons in March, shortly after Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the team. The quarterback did not visit any other teams before signing with the Falcons.
In a statement, the Falcons said they cooperated fully with the league’s review and appreciated the NFL’s thoroughness. The team will review its processes and look for ways to improve.
Kirk Cousins, the Falcons’ new quarterback
In related news, the NFL cleared the Philadelphia Eagles of any wrongdoing in their signing of former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley. The league reviewed phone logs, text messages, and other documents related to the Eagles’ free agency strategy and did not find sufficient evidence to indicate tampering.
Saquon Barkley, the Eagles’ new running back
The NFL’s investigation into the Falcons’ tampering is a reminder that the league takes its rules seriously and will not hesitate to punish teams that violate them.
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