The NFL is nearing the conclusion of its tampering investigations involving the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles, and it appears one team might face severe consequences.
Atlanta is under investigation for allegedly meeting with and recruiting quarterback Kirk Cousins before league rules allowed. Similarly, the Eagles are being scrutinized for their handling of star running back Saquon Barkley. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the NFL is expected to announce its findings this week, with the Falcons’ alleged violations considered “more significant” than Philadelphia’s and likely to result in “more severe” discipline.
There is precedent for hefty penalties in tampering cases. The Miami Dolphins lost their 2023 first-round and 2024 third-round picks after the league found they violated tampering rules from 2019-2022 while trying to recruit Tom Brady and Sean Payton. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross was also fined $1.5 million. In an earlier case, the Chiefs forfeited a 2016 third-round and 2017 sixth-round pick for tampering with wide receiver Jeremy Maclin during the 2015 offseason, with fines totaling $350,000 for the team and personnel.
Evidence suggests the Falcons violated tampering rules before signing Cousins, as the 35-year-old admitted to direct contact with the Falcons before it was permitted. Despite Cousins downplaying the allegations, some form of punishment for Atlanta appears inevitable.
