The NFL is investigating The Atlanta Falcon’s involvement with Kirk Cousins before the league year officially started. These tampering charges could be finalized as soon as this week, and it could include Atlanta forfeiting a draft pick.

Kirk Cousins played with the Minnesota Vikings for six seasons until he tore his Achilles during the 2023 Season. Cousins was an upcoming free agent and had reportedly spoken with Atlanta’s director of player personnel before he was legally allowed to. Other evidence shows that Cousins had given medical information to the Falcons before they started the negotiation process due to his Achilles injury.

A few hours into the opening of free agency, Kirk Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons to the surprise of many. Kyle Pitts was also openly recruiting Cousins to Atlanta with a conversation regarding his #8 jersey. Along with that, Cousins admitted that he participated in the recruitment of former Bears receiver, Darnell Mooney who signed with the Falcons recently as well.

Right now, it looks like the Atlanta Falcons violated the tampering rules in multiple different ways. The NFL is looking into this evidence and will determine a fit punishment for the Atlanta Falcons. It doesn’t seem like the Falcons were taking many precautions regarding the tampering rules, so there could be clear evidence of early negotiations involving Cousins and Atlanta. This punishment could include draft picks, but likely will not affect this year’s picks.