Three months after signing Kirk Cousins to a $180 million contract, the Atlanta Falcons have been penalized for improper contact with him and other free agents. They were ordered to forfeit a 2025 draft pick and pay a fine. Falcons GM Terry Fontenot was also fined for violations involving wide receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Charlie Woerner.
NFL policy prohibits direct contact between players and team representatives during negotiations. Cousins and Falcons newcomers communicated during the negotiating period, potentially involving logistical errors. In contrast, the Philadelphia Eagles were cleared of any wrongdoing in signing Saquon Barkley.