The Falcons gave up a 5th round pick because of tampering; The Eagle was cleared after an investigation

news7g06/13/2024

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The Falcons gave up a 5th round pick because of tampering; The Eagle was cleared after an investigation

The Atlanta Falcons was stripped of a fifth-round pick in the 2025 draft on Thursday because of violations NFLAnti-tampering rules of the quarterback before signing Kirk cousinswide receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Charlie Woerner.

In addition to losing their draft picks, the Falcons were fined $250,000 and general manager Terry Fontenot was fined $50,000.

The Falcons and Cousins agreed on a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed shortly after the league’s 52-hour legal tampering period opened in November. 3.

It’s common for teams and players to reach deals quickly, and there were other players who agreed to deals even before Cousins. But Cousins’ comments at 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 that he spoke with the team’s medical staff before they were cleared to make contact.

“There are great people here,” Cousins said. “And it’s not just the football team. I mean, I’m looking at the support staff. The meeting – calling, yesterday, calling our head athletic trainer, talking to our head of PR. I’m thinking, we have good people here. And it’s exciting to be a part of.”

Teams are allowed to speak directly with agents — but not players — during that two-day negotiating period unless the players represent themselves.

“While the policy allows clubs to participate in and negotiate all aspects of an NFL player contract with the certified agent of any potential free agent, it is not limited in time two-day negotiations, any direct contact between players and club employees or representatives is prohibited,” NFL said in a statement. “This includes discussing travel arrangements or other logistical matters which the club acknowledges have taken place in relation to these three players.”

The Falcons also signed Mooney and Woerner at the start of free agency. Mooney received a three-year, $39 million contract with $26 million guaranteed while Woerner signed a three-year, $13 million contract to join Atlanta.

“We are pleased that this review is complete,” Falcons said in a statement. “We have cooperated fully with the league and its review process, and appreciate the NFL’s thoroughness. As we go through every process, we will review how we operate and find ways to improve.”

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Meanwhile, Philadelphia Eagle would not be punished for tampering, as a league investigation determined that the team did nothing wrong. Saquon BarkleyPhiladelphia’s signing was questioned later Pennsylvania coach James Franklin implied that Eagles general manager Howie Roseman had contact with the running back during “legal tampering.”

“To reach this conclusion, the league reviewed phone logs, text messages and other documents related to Philadelphia’s free agency strategy and decision to sign Barkley,” the league said. said in his statement.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.