The NFL’s investigation into alleged tampering by the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles is still ongoing and will not be concluded this week, according to league officials. This means that if either team is found in violation of league tampering rules, any potential loss of draft picks will not affect the upcoming draft. Both the Eagles and Falcons have eight picks in the 2024 draft. The Falcons are under scrutiny for allegedly having direct contact with Kirk Cousins, who was still with the Minnesota Vikings at the time, before they were allowed to do so under league rules. Cousins eventually signed a four-year contract worth up to $180 million with the Falcons on the first day of free agency last month. On the other hand, the Eagles are being investigated for tampering in connection with their signing of Saquon Barkley, who had previously played for the New York Giants.
Team Reactions
Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot recently addressed the ongoing investigation at a news conference, expressing appreciation for the league’s communication and cooperation throughout the process. Despite the lack of updates, Fontenot emphasized the team’s commitment to providing all necessary information and cooperating fully with the league. Similarly, Falcons owner Arthur Blank has maintained that the team did not violate any tampering rules and has shared all pertinent information with the league for review.
Meanwhile, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman reportedly spoke with Barkley and highlighted the connection between the Eagles and Penn State fan bases during the recruiting process. However, Barkley later clarified that there was a misunderstanding in Franklin’s interpretation of the situation. It remains to be seen how these conflicting accounts will impact the investigation and any potential disciplinary actions by the league.
Historical Precedent
Last year, the NFL resolved a tampering investigation involving the Arizona Cardinals’ hiring of head coach Jonathan Gannon just before the 2023 draft. The Cardinals and Eagles ultimately settled the charges by exchanging third-round picks in last year’s draft. Arizona surrendered the 66th overall pick for Philadelphia’s 94th overall pick, and also received a fifth-round pick in the 2024 draft from the Eagles.
As the NFL continues its investigation into tampering allegations against the Falcons and Eagles, the league remains focused on upholding the integrity of team negotiations and player acquisitions. The outcomes of these investigations can have significant implications for the teams involved, potentially affecting draft picks and other penalties. It is crucial for all parties to fully cooperate with the league and adhere to the established rules and regulations governing player transactions in order to maintain fairness and transparency within the league. Ultimately, the resolution of these investigations will shape the landscape of future player signings and team interactions in the NFL.