The Atlanta Falcons made some big moves this free agency period, signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to replace them under center.
However, missteps along the way led the Falcons to give up a draft pick.
The NFL announced Thursday that the team will forfeit its fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft as a result of an investigation into alleged misconduct in Cousins’ contract. Additionally, Atlanta will pay a $250,000 fine and general manager Terry Fontenot will be fined $50,000.
Additionally, the NFL discovered Cousins wasn’t the only free agent involved. As first reported, ESPN NFL Insider Adam SchefterThe team “…had inappropriate contact with future unrestricted free agents Kirk Cousins, Darnell Mooney and Charlie Warner.” During the two-day negotiation period before the start of the 2024 league year” (emphasis added).
According to Schefter’s report, the discussions with the three players may have included travel arrangements. Schefter said on social media:[w]The policy allows clubs to negotiate all aspects of NFL player contracts with the future unrestricted free agents’ certified agents during a two-day negotiating period, but prohibits any direct contact between players and club employees or representatives. This included discussions about travel arrangements and other logistical matters, which the club confirms have taken place in relation to these three players.”(emphasis added).
Therefore, the misconduct did not occur before the two-day negotiation period, as alleged, but during the negotiation period. This reduced the fine, the court said. Tom Pelissero NFL Network.
The investigation into the tampering allegations dates back to Cousins’ introductory press conference on Wednesday, March 13, the day the NFL’s league year officially began after two days of the league’s “tampering period.” During the league’s “tampering period,” teams cannot contact players directly, only through their agents.
but, “I think it’s a good thing,” Cousins said Wednesday night.: Kyle [Pitts] “If I remember correctly, a couple weeks ago, this was probably the first time he started recruiting,” Cousins said at a news conference. “It’s always fun to be wanted, so I appreciated that and he’s done a great job leading the charge.”
The quarterback then added that the Atlanta tight end sent him a message:[w]I am ready to take you to the Promised Land.”
That wasn’t the only comment that caught the attention of NFL officials. Cousins also said: Wednesday“You look around and you think, ‘Oh man, we have some great people here,'” Cousins said. “And it’s not just the football team. You look at the support staff. You look at the meetings… I called the head athletic trainer yesterday and spoke with the director of communications.I think, ‘We have good people here.’” (emphasis added).
Sure, it’s a nice gesture from Pitts and nice comments from Cousins, but it could put the Falcons in a bind and change the shape of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The NFL’s cheating rules state“[n]club, Any person employed by or connected in any way with the Club“It is permissible to manipulate players who are under contract to other clubs or about whom exclusive negotiating rights are held by other clubs” (emphasis added).
Furthermore, regarding the tampering period,
Two-Day Negotiation Period. Notwithstanding the above, during the period beginning two calendar days prior to the expiration date of an NFL Player Contract (the “Two-Day Negotiation Period”), Clubs may contact and engage in contract negotiations with the authorized agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents at the end of the current league year; however, no contract may be signed with or submitted to the league office by a new Club until after the beginning of the new League Year. During this two-day period, prospective unrestricted free agents may not visit the permanent facility or other location of any Club (other than their current Club). No face-to-face contact between players and employees or representatives of any club (other than their current club) will be permitted.
(emphasis in original)
It was thought that contact with Pitts and other Atlanta staff members would lead to penalties, but the league’s announcement Thursday showed otherwise.
The punishment was lighter than many had expected.
