According to a report by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Atlanta Falcons are set to lose a fifth-round pick in 2025 due to violations of the NFL’s anti-tampering policy involving Kirk Cousins and other free agents.
Additionally, the franchise faces a fine of $250,000, and General Manager Terry Fontenot will be fined $50,000.
The investigation was sparked during Cousins’ initial press conference with the Falcons, where he revealed that he had communicated with the Falcons’ head trainer prior to the official negotiating period. This admission led to further scrutiny by the NFL.
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The NFL’s statement clarified, “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 league specified that this includes discussions about travel arrangements or other logistical matters, which occurred with these players.
Despite speculation that the Minnesota Vikings, Cousins’s former team, might receive compensation from Atlanta for the early contact with their quarterback, the NFL confirmed that no such compensation will be awarded.
