NFL Insider Reveals Timeline for ‘Resolving’ Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles Tampering Allegations

The Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons made NFL news this offseason when the league officially announced investigations into allegations of free agency tampering. More than two months after the investigations were launched, potential disciplinary measures would be announced this week.

Atlanta and Philadelphia both made two of the NFL’s biggest free agency splashes. The Falcons signed quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​​​from the Minnesota Vikings, while the Eagles poached running back Saquon Barkley from the Philadelphia Eagles.

Related: The Worst Contracts in the NFL Right Now, Including Atlanta Falcons’ Kirk Cousins

However, both signings quickly came under scrutiny due to implications that both franchises had illegal contact with players during the blackout window.

Just days after the Eagles signed Barkley and before his introductory press conference, Penn State Nittany Lions coach James Franklin told reporters in a press conference that the sales pitch makes to Barkley by Eagles general manager Howie Roseman was that he might be close to Penn State. .

Read: Examining the difference in tampering allegations against the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles

Under NFL rules, the period of time Roseman allegedly spoke with Barkley constitutes a direct violation of tampering guidelines. However, both the Eagles and Barkley denied Franklin’s statement. Even if the NFL investigates the matter, it appears less likely to result in significant disciplinary action.

After signing with the Falcons, Cousins ​​said during his introductory press conference that he spoke to the team’s head athletic trainer before agreeing to terms on a contract. This is also a violation of league rules, with no contact allowed between a free agent from another team and a team employee during the legal tampering period.

Related: NFL Insider Reveals Possible Atlanta Falcons Tampering Penalty

While the Eagles’ investigation focuses on a statement made by Franklin, with no clear evidence of prohibited contact between Roseman and Barkley, Cousins ​​publicly admitted to having contact with a Falcons staff member.

Now, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, a resolution to the tampering cases against both teams is expected this week. Although no details are provided on the nature of the resolution, discipline against these teams is widely expected.

A.delighted: Atlanta Falcons punishment for tampering could be severe

Among modern examples of NFL sanctions against teams for illegal tampering, the Miami Dolphins were stripped of their 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick for three instances of illegal contact with Tom Brady and Sean Payton. The Kansas City Chiefs also lost a 2016 third-round pick and a 2017 sixth-round pick for tampering with Jeremy Maclin in 2015.

Both teams could be stripped of their picks in the 2025 NFL Draft and potentially face significant fines. However, clarity will come when the league announces its findings later this week.