Just three months after signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a massive $180 million contract, the Atlanta Falcons are facing penalties for breaking NFL rules. The league announced Thursday that the Falcons violated anti-tampering policies during their pursuit of Cousins and other free agents, leading to a loss of a future draft pick and hefty fines.
What's the Issue?
The NFL determined that the Falcons had improper contact with Cousins, wide receiver Darnell Mooney, and tight end Charlie Woerner during the free agency period. This kind of contact is against NFL rules, which prohibit teams from communicating directly with players during the negotiating window. Instead, all communication should be handled through the players’ agents.
The Penalties
Because of these violations, the Falcons will have to give up a fifth-round pick in the 2025 draft and pay a $250,000 fine. On top of that, Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot has been fined $50,000 for his role in the improper communications.
How It Happened
According to the NFL, the Falcons’ mistakes included arranging travel plans for the players after they agreed to contract terms. The NFL first started looking into the situation a few days after Cousins signed his four-year deal with Atlanta. The quarterback, who previously played for the Minnesota Vikings, was a top free agent but didn't visit any other teams before signing with the Falcons.
Falcons’ Response
The Falcons have accepted the penalties and expressed their commitment to improving their processes. In a statement, the team said, "We are pleased this review is complete. We cooperated fully with the league and its review, and appreciate the NFL's thoroughness. As we do with every process, we will review how we operate and look for ways to improve."
Broader Context
This isn't the first time an NFL team has been penalized for tampering. The Miami Dolphins, for example, faced more severe consequences in 2022 when they lost first- and third-round picks and their owner was fined $1.5 million for illegal contact with QB Tom Brady and head coach Sean Payton.
The NFL's investigation found that while the Falcons' violations were mainly administrative, like making travel plans, they still breached the league’s rules. There was no evidence that the Falcons or their representatives contacted the players before the free-agency window opened, which might have led to even harsher penalties.
What’s Next?
With the penalties in place, the Falcons will be looking to tighten up their procedures to avoid similar issues in the future. Meanwhile, Cousins and his fellow newcomers will focus on the upcoming season, hoping to make their mark without further controversy.
Overall, this incident serves as a reminder to all NFL teams about the importance of adhering to league rules, even in the competitive world of free agency.
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