As the Falcons prepared for the NFL Draft, there was a dark cloud over their head as the league continued its investigation into the allegations that Atlanta had tampered with Kirk Cousins.
Earlier this week, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that a conclusion could be reached as early as this week and punishment would be dolled out. With the league also investigating the Eagles for potential tampering, Schefter added the expectation is Atlanta’s punishment will be more severe.
Some feared that the Falcons first-round pick could be impacted, thanks to Mike Florio peddling fan fiction about a theory of the Vikings and Falcons swapping first-round picks.
Thankfully, he’s come to his senses. Florio of NBC Sports seems to have a good idea of what the punishment will be.
“If the Falcons get whacked for Cousins talking to the head athletic trainer, a third-round pick would be the punishment — if precedent means anything. If the Falcons are punished for all violations, it could stack into a far more significant punishment.”
Hopefully, Rich McKay can use some of his league ties to lessen the penalty, but it’s become clear the Falcons don’t have to worry about the consequences impacting the 2024 NFL Draft.
According to Adam Schefter, the league is still reviewing the tampering allegations against both the Falcons and Eagles, and the investigation will not conclude this week.
The league’s review into tampering allegations against the Falcons and Eagles is ongoing and will not conclude this week, per the NFL.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 23, 2024
There are a couple of things I’d like to say about this entire situation.
Firstly, tampering rules are dumb. Every team, player, and league does it. The Falcons talked to Cousins’ agent the entire time, so what’s the big deal? Kirk Cousins didn’t sign with Atlanta because they talked to him before the legal tampering period. They had deeper pockets than Minnesota, and it’s that simple.
Secondly, the Falcons did tamper with Kirk Cousins, so let’s not argue they didn’t. The veteran quarterback admitted as such during his introductory press conference.
Thirdly, what in the hell is a veteran like Kirk Cousins doing just blatantly admitting to tampering?
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Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
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