The Atlanta Falcons are facing consequences for violating NFL anti-tampering rules in the signing of Kirk Cousins. The team lost a fifth-round draft pick and was fined $250,000 after discussing contract details prematurely. The violations involved Cousins, Darnell Mooney, and Charlie Woerner. NFL free agency rules were breached as the Falcons negotiated contracts during the 'legal tampering period.'
General manager Terry Fontenot was fined $50,000 as well. The suspension is lighter compared to previous penalties such as the Miami Dolphins losing draft picks for illegal contact with Tom Brady and Sean Payton. The Falcons' new signing, Cousins, aims to boost an offense with talented players like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts.