The NFL is nearing the end of its investigation into allegations of tampering by the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the inquiry could conclude as early as this week, with the Falcons facing the prospect of significant penalties.
Sources indicate that the discipline for the Falcons, likely involving draft pick forfeiture, will be more severe than for the Eagles. The Falcons’ potential punishment is a direct result of quarterback Kirk Cousins’ disclosures during his introductory press conference. Cousins revealed that he had contact with the team’s public relations director and head athletic trainer before officially signing, a violation of NFL rules during the legal tampering period.
In the Eagles’ case, Penn State head coach James Franklin’s comments implicated the team in potential tampering violations. Franklin suggested that Philadelphia general manager Howie Roseman had direct contact with running back Saquon Barkley before the start of free agency, another violation of league regulations.
The severity of the punishments for both teams remains uncertain, but Schefter cited recent examples as possible benchmarks. The Miami Dolphins forfeited a first-round pick in 2023 and a third-round pick in 2024 for tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton. The Kansas City Chiefs lost a third-round pick in 2016 and a sixth-rounder in 2017 for violating tampering rules with Jeremy Maclin. Additional fines were imposed on team owners, head coaches, and general managers in both cases.
