Atlanta Falcons’ Kirk Cousins ​​tampering penalty revealed by NFL

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — After three months of speculation, the NFL announced sanctions Thursday for tampering with the Atlanta Falcons.

Atlanta lost its 2025 fifth-round pick, while the organization was fined $250,000 and general manager Terry Fontenot endured a $50,000 fine for tampering with quarterback Kirk Cousins , receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Charlie Woerner.

The Falcons violated NFL rules regarding logistical and administrative contacts, such as planning travel after deals were made. The league did not find that the Falcons made contact with the players before the legal negotiation window opened.

“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 contact between the player and an employee or representative of the club is prohibited,” the NFL said in a statement. “This includes discussions about travel arrangements or other logistical matters, which the club acknowledges have taken place regarding these three players.”

Atlant published its own version after the verdict.

“We are pleased that this review is complete,” the Falcons said. “We have fully cooperated 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.”

The NFL’s investigation into the Falcons tampering case was launched after Cousins, who was speaking at his introductory news conference March 13 after signing his four-year contract worth $180 million on first official day of free agency, said he had contact with Atlanta athletic chief. coach the day before.

From March 11-12, the legal negotiation period, teams are allowed to speak with players’ agents, but there can be no formal contact between the player and team officials before 4 p.m. on the start day of free agency, March 13. This year.

Cousins ​​unwittingly admitted to breaking this rule. Now the Falcons are facing the consequences — and are yet another example of the NFL’s tampering with conversations, a list that continues to grow.

In 2022, the Miami Dolphins were punished for tampering with quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Sean Payton three times between 2019 and 2022.

The NFL took Miami’s 2023 first-round pick and 2024 third-round pick while fining owner Stephen Ross $1.5 million and fining VP/partner $500,000 sponsor Bruce Beal.

The Kansas City Chiefs were found guilty of tampering with wide receiver Jeremy Maclin in 2015 and lost their 2016 third-round pick and 2017 sixth-round pick.

Kansas City was fined $250,000, while head coach Andy Reid and general manager John Dorsey were forced to pay $75,000 and $25,000, respectively.

The NFL investigated the Philadelphia Eagles for potentially tampering with running back Saquon Barkley this spring, but found no evidence.

Since mid-March, the Falcons looked poised to be next in line. Now it’s official — and they’re hoping the rest of Cousins’ tenure sees more positives than his first night in Flowery Branch.