ATL Falcons fined, draft pick docked in anti-tampering case: report

ATLANTA, GA — After ruling the Atlanta Falcons violated the NFL’s anti-tampering policy by acquiring quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​and two others, the league withheld the NFL’s fifth-round pick team in 2025, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Pelissero first announced the news Thursday, adding that the NFL also found the Falcons violated policy by obtaining wide receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Charlie Woerner.

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“We are pleased that this review has been completed. We have cooperated fully with the league and its review, and appreciate the NFL’s thoroughness. As we do with every process, we will examine how we operate and look for ways to improve ” the Falcons said in a statement to Pelissero.

In addition to losing their fifth-round pick, Pelissero said the Falcons also had to pay a $250,000 fine, while general manager Terry Fontenot had to pay a $50,000 fine.

Administrative factors in determining the violation include arranging travel after futures agreements with players during the two-day trading window.

“While the policy allows clubs to engage and negotiate all aspects of an NFL player’s contract with the certified agent of any potential unrestricted free agent during the two-day negotiation period, any contact direct discussion between the player and any club employee or representative is prohibited. This includes discussions about travel arrangements or other logistical matters, which the club acknowledges occurred regarding these three players,” the NFL said in a statement. a press release addressed to Pelissero.

The news comes on the day the Philadelphia Eagles were cleared after an NFL investigation found the Eagles did not violate the anti-tampering policy with the signing of running back Saquon Barkley, Pelissero said.

“To reach this conclusion, the league reviewed phone logs, text messages and other documents related to Philadelphia’s free agency strategy and the decision to sign Barkley. The NFL also interviewed several members of the “organization, including Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni, as well as Barkley and Penn State head coach James Franklin, as with every review, if new evidence is uncovered, the league may reopen the investigation,” Pelissero tweeted .