Falcons lose fifth-round pick, fined for tampering with Kirk Cousins

The Atlanta Falcons were stripped of a fifth-round pick in next year’s draft Thursday for violating the NFL’s anti-tampering rules before signing quarterback Kirk Cousins.

The NFL also fined the team $250,000, while general manager Terry Fontenot was fined $50,000.

The Falcons and Cousins ​​agreed to a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed shortly after the league’s 52-hour legal tampering window opened.

It’s normal for teams and players to reach agreements quickly and there were other players who agreed to deals even before Cousins. But Cousins’ comments during his introductory news conference raised questions that led to an NFL investigation.

Cousins, who is returning from a torn right Achilles tendon that ended his 2023 season after eight games, said he spoke to the team’s medical staff before they were cleared to have a contact.

FILE – Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​speaks during a news conference after an NFL football practice Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Flowery Branch, Georgia. The Atlanta Falcons were stripped of a fifth round pick in next year’s draft on Thursday, June 13. , for violating the NFL’s anti-tampering rules before signing quarterback Kirk Cousins. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Brynn Anderson

“There are great people here,” Cousins ​​said. “And it’s not just about the football team. I mean, I look at the support staff. Meeting – call, yesterday, call our head athletic trainer, talk to our PR guy. I think we have good people here. And it’s exciting to be a part of it.

Teams are allowed to speak directly with agents – but not players – during this two-day negotiation period, unless the player represents himself.

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