The Atlanta Falcons violated the league’s anti-tampering policy regarding Kirk Cousins, Darnell Mooney and Charlie Woerner before signing them in free agency, the NFL has ruled.
Atlanta will forfeit its 2025 fifth-round draft pick and pay a $250,000 fine.
GM Terry Fontenot has also been fined $50,000.
According to NFL Network’s, Tom Pelissero the violations are considered “logistical/administrative,” such as making travel arrangements after players agreed to contract terms.
The violations are alleged to have occurred during the league’s two-day negotiating period, and Atlanta is not accused of having prior contact with Cousins, Mooney and Woerner.
Cousins would go on to sign a massive four-year contract worth $180 million with the team, before the Falcons surprisingly decided to draft the former Washington quarterback eighth overall.
More to follow