ATLANTA— The NFL has its punishment for the Atlanta Falcons for tampering featuring former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins and two other players.
The league will select a fifth-round pick in next year’s draft from Atlanta, and will fine the team $250,000 and general manager Terry Fontenot $50,000, the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero said. The team also messed with wide receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Charlie Woerner, Pelissero said.
Tampering refers to making contact with a potential signee outside of league-permitted windows. Cousins’ agent announced his deal with the Falcons about two and a half hours after the NFL’s free agent negotiating window opened in March.
During the negotiation period, players and their agents can talk to teams, but are not allowed to visit teams. During his introductory press conference with Atlanta, Cousins made a slip of the tongue that might have made the league officials’ ears perk up.
“You look around and think, ‘Boy, there are some great people here,’” Cousins said. “And it’s not just about the football team. I mean, I look at the support staff. Meeting – called yesterday, called our head athletic trainer, talked to our head of PR, I’m thinking, ‘We’ve got good people here.'”
The NFL Network reported that Cousins’ deal with the Falcons is for four years and is worth $180 million, although only $100 million is guaranteed.
Played cousins six seasons with the Vikings, making the playoffs twice and winning one postseason game. The Vikings signed a former first-round pick Sam Darnold and took JJ McCarthy 10th overall in April’s draft to replace Cousins.
Note: The above video originally aired on March 11, 2024.
