After an investigation, the NFL has determined that the Atlanta Falcons had impermissible contact with three players before the free agency period officially began, including star quarterback Kirk Cousins. And the team will face punishment.
On Thursday morning, NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed that the Atlanta Falcons will forfeit a fifth-round pick in next year’s draft and face a fine as a result of the tampering.
“NFL ruled the Falcons had improper contact with prospective unrestricted free agents Kirk Cousins, Darnell Mooney, and Charlie Woerner during the two-day negotiating period prior to the start of the 2024 League Year.
Atlanta will forfeit its original fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and pay a fine of $250,000, while General Manager Terry Fontenot has been fined $50,000,” Schefter said in a post on X, the social media website that was formerly known as Twitter.
NFL ruled the Falcons had improper contact with prospective unrestricted free agents Kirk Cousins, Darnell Mooney, and Charlie Woerner during the two-day negotiating period prior to the start of the 2024 League Year.
Atlanta will forfeit its original fifth-round pick in the…— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 13, 2024
“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. This includes discussion of travel arrangements or other logistical matters, which the club acknowledges took place with regard to these three players,” Schefter continued.
This will officially put the issue behind them.
