Atlanta 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, receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Charlie Woerner hit free agency in March.

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 on March 11. Woerner agreed to a three-year, $12 million contract later that day and Mooney accepted. on a three-year, $39 million contract a day later.

The league did not penalize the Philadelphia Eagles for having unauthorized contact with running back Saquon Barkley, saying its investigation “did not uncover sufficient evidence to support the conclusion that the anti-tampering policy was raped.”

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.

“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.

“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 league said in a statement. “This includes discussions about travel arrangements or other logistical matters, which the club acknowledges have had. place regarding these three players.”

Barkley signed the New York Giants to division rival Philadelphia, agreeing to a three-year, $37.75 million deal, including $26 million guaranteed, hours after the legal tampering period began. Penn State coach James Franklin’s comments sparked a league investigation.

Franklin, who coached Barkley for three seasons, said Eagles general manager Howie Roseman and Barkley had a phone conversation.

“For him to come back now and be able to play at Philadelphia State, (Barkley) said that was one of the first things Howie (Roseman) said to him on the phone as part of his sales pitch “, Franklin said. “Not only the Philadelphia Eagles, but obviously the Penn State connection and the fans as well.”

The league says it reviewed phone records, 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 Roseman and coach Nick Sirianni, as well as Barkley and Franklin.

“As with every review, if new evidence is discovered, the league may reopen the investigation,” the NFL statement said.

The league has cracked down on tampering in the past and the Miami Dolphins received the harshest punishment in 2022.

The Dolphins lost a first-round pick and a third-round pick for tampering with Tom Brady and coach Sean Payton. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross was also suspended and fined $1.5 million, while manager Bruce Beal was fined $500,000.

In 2016, the Kansas City Chiefs lost their third and sixth round picks for tampering with wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. The team was also fined $250,000, while coach Andy Reid was fined $75,000 and then-general manager John Dorsey was given a fine. fine of $25,000.

The New York Jets were fined $100,000 in 2015 for tampering with New England Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis before signing him.

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