The Atlanta Falcons were penalized for violating the NFL’s anti-tampering rules by losing a fifth-round pick in next year’s draft. This violation occurred before signing quarterback Kirk Cousins, wide receiver Darnell Mooney, and tight end Charlie Woerner in free agency in March.
In addition to losing the draft pick, the NFL fined the team $250,000 and general manager Terry Fontenot $50,000. The agreements with Cousins, Mooney, and Woerner were reached shortly after the legal tampering window opened on March 11.
The league did not penalize the Philadelphia Eagles despite having contact with running back Saquon Barkley. According to the NFL’s investigation, there was not enough evidence to prove tampering occurred.
The swift agreements between teams and players are common during the negotiation period. Cousins’ comments at his introduction press conference raised concerns that led to the NFL’s investigation.
Teams can negotiate with agents but not directly with players during the two-day window, unless the player represents themselves. The league found that the Falcons had direct contact with the three players before they were permitted.
Meanwhile, Barkley moved from the Giants to the Eagles with a lucrative deal. The league investigated comments made by Penn State coach James Franklin regarding Roseman’s conversation with Barkley.
The league reviewed documents and conducted interviews with personnel involved in Philadelphia’s free agency decisions. The NFL may reopen the investigation if new evidence is revealed.
Past cases of tampering resulted in severe penalties for teams and individuals involved. The Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs are among the teams that faced consequences for violating anti-tampering rules in recent years.
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