Results of Atlanta and Kirk Cousins ​​tampering investigation could be available this week

The Atlanta Falcons allegedly tampered with Kirk Cousins ​​before he signed a four-year, $180 million contract in March. If the league finds that tampering influenced contract negotiations between Minnesota and the veteran quarterback, a penalty could be levied against the Falcons — and ESPN’s Adam Schefter says the “solution” could be announced as soon as this week.

“A league source said the Falcons’ alleged violations are considered more serious and Atlanta is expected to face more severe penalties,” Schefter reported Sunday morning.

In April, just three days before the NFL Draft, Schefter reported that the player-tampering investigation would result in a “severe” penalty that could include draft picks: “Sources believe the disciplinary action, which will likely include draft picks, will be more severe for the Falcons,” Shefter reported, noting that the league is also investigating the Eagles for alleged player-tampering involving former Giants running back Saquon Barkley.

Recent tampering investigations that resulted in penalties include the Dolphins’ tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton from 2019 to 2022. In that case, the league stripped Miami of its 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick. Fines were also imposed.

When the Chiefs tampered with wide receiver Jeremy Maclin in 2015, the NFL cut Kansas City a 2016 third-round pick and a 2017 sixth-round pick. The team, general manager and head coach were also fined.

How serious was Atlanta’s tampering and how far will the NFL go with penalties? Vikings fans are anxiously awaiting an answer as to whether the league would go so far as to give Minnesota one of Atlanta’s future draft picks. A move of this magnitude would not be unprecedented.

Last year, the Cardinals were forced to trade third-round picks with the Eagles (dropping 28 spots) after the league concluded that Arizona had tampered with Philly defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon before he was hired as Arizona’s head coach.