Kirk Cousins

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports, “The NFL is docking the Falcons a 2025 fifth-round pick for violating the league’s anti-tampering policy with Kirk Cousins, Darnell Mooney, and Charlie Woerner.”

When asked about potential tampering violations back in May, Cousins said, “There’s not a whole lot there.” The league, clearly thinking otherwise, has decided there was enough to not only dock the Falcons a future draft pick but also fine the team $250,000 and general Terry Fontenot $50,000. At his introductory press conference with the team back in March, Cousins more or less admitted to tampering when he talked about having contact with the team and free agent signee Darnell Mooney before the official start of the league year. In a statement put out by the league regarding the Falcons’ violation, the NFL said, “While the [anti-tampering] 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.”