The Atlanta Falcons were docked a 2025 fifth-round draft pick and fined $250,000 by the NFL for violating the league’s anti-tampering policy.
The league found that there were “logistical violations” related to the Falcons’ signings of quarterback Kirk Cousins, wide receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Charlier Woerner.
“While the policy permits clubs to engage with and negotiate all aspects of an NFL player contract with the certified agent of any prospective unrestricted free agent during the two-day negotiating period, any direct contact between the player and an employee or representative of the club is
prohibited,” the NFL explained in a statement. “This includes discussion of travel arrangements or other logistical matters, which the club acknowledges took place with regard to these three players.”
In addition to the lost draft pick and team fine, Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot was fined $50,000.
“We are pleased this review is compete,” the Falcons said in a team statement. “We cooperated fully with the league and its review, and appreciate the league’s thoroughness. As we do with every process, we will review how we operate and look for ways to improve.”
Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons on March 11, two days before the start of the new league year. At his introductory press conference, Cousins indicated that he talked with the Falcons’ head trainer before the start of the league year.
Teams are not allowed to speak directly with players during the 52-hour free agent negotiating window at the start of a new league year. Instead, they are allowed to speak with agents. Cousins is represented by Mike McCartney.
