When it comes to contacting NFL players already on contract with a team, the National Football League has some very strict rules. The League has determined that the Atlanta Falcons violated those rules in relation to signing three players to the team.
The Falcons will have Kirk Cousins, wide receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Charlie Woerner as a part of their team next season; but they have also had to give up a few things…namely a draft pick and a pile of cash.
The Falcons have been fined $250,000, Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot has been fined $50,000, and the Falcons have been docked their fifth round draft pick for the 2025 NFL Draft next April.
While the Philadelphia Eagles were charged with having “impermissible” contact with running back Saquon Barkley; the NFL did not pass any punishment on the EAgles saying, they “did not discover sufficient evidence to support a finding that the anti-tampering policy was violated.” However, The League noted that if any new information becomes available, the investigation can be readdressed.
Fans often hear about contract negotiations that are drawn out or involve a “hold-out”; but contract talks can also develop and be solved quickly. However, the NFL found some remarks by Kurt Cousins questionable and launched an investigation into the matter.
Recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, Cousins noted that he had spoken with Falcon medical staff before he was legally permitted to do so. Teams may speak with the players’ agents; but not the player themselves unless they are their own agent. The League noted, “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.”