NFL Atlanta Falcons punished for tampering with former Michigan State QB and others

The NFL announced Thursday that it has fined the Atlanta Falcons $250,000 and forced them to forfeit their 2025 fifth-round pick after committing tampering violations involving unrestricted free agent Darnell Mooney , Charlie Woerner and Kirk Cousins.

Cousins, a former Michigan State quarterback, signed with Atlanta this offseason after spending his last six seasons as a member of the Minnesota Vikings.

He signed a four-year, $180 million contract with Atlanta, with $100 million guaranteed, in March.

Here is the league’s official statement, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk:

“The NFL today notified the Atlanta Falcons of discipline imposed for violations of the Anti-Tampering Policy related to inappropriate contact with potential unrestricted free agents Kirk Cousins, Darnell Mooney and Charlie Woerner during the period two-day trading session leading up to the start of the 2024 league year. Atlanta will lose its original fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and pay a $250,000 fine, while general manager Terry Fontenot has. been fined $50,000 Although 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 period. two-day negotiation period, any direct contact between the player and a club employee or representative is prohibited. This includes discussions about travel arrangements or other logistical matters, which the club acknowledges has taken place. concerning these three players.

The Falcons are Cousins’ third team in 13 years in the NFL. Prior to his tenure with the Vikings, he began his career with the Washington Redskins (now Commanders), a six-year stint that launched his starting career. He was named to one Pro Bowl in Washington and three in Minnesota.

Cousins ​​played four seasons at Michigan State, where he finished as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever come through the program. He ranks first in program history in completions with 723 and second in career passing yards (9,131) and career passing touchdowns (66).

Cousins ​​was named to the All-Big Ten second team for his final season with the program. He led the Spartans to an appearance in the Big Ten title game that season.

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