ATL Falcons Fined, Docked Draft Pick In Anti-Tampering Case: Report

ATLANTA, GA — After ruling the Atlanta Falcons violated the NFL's anti-tampering policy in acquiring quarterback Kirk Cousins and two others, the league is docking the team's 2025 fifth-round pick, according to the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Pelissero first reported the news Thursday, adding the NFL also found the Falcons violated the policy in obtaining wide receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Charlie Woerner.

"We are pleased this review is complete. We cooperated fully with the league and its review, and appreciate the NFL's thoroughness. As we do with every process, we will review how we operate and look for ways to improve," the Falcons said in a statement to Pelissero.

In addition to losing their fifth-round draft pick, Pelissero said the Falcons must also pay a $250,000 fine while General Manager Terry Fontenot has to pay a $50,000 fine.

Administrative factors in determining the violation include arranging travel after term agreements with players during the two-day negotiation window.

“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,” the NFL said in a statement to Pelissero.

This news comes on the day the Philadelphia Eagles were cleared of wrongdoing after a NFL probe found the Eagles did not violate the anti-tampering policy with the signing of running back Saquon Barkley, Pelissero said.

"In coming to this conclusion, the league reviewed phone logs, text messages and other documents related to Philadelphia’s free agency strategy and decision to sign Barkley. The NFL also interviewed several members of the organization, including Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni, as well as Barkley and Penn State head coach James Franklin. As with every review, should new evidence be uncovered, the league may reopen the investigation," Pelissero tweeted.