The Atlanta Falcons got quarterback Kirk Cousins, but they lost a draft pick because of it.
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On Thursday, the NFL docked the Falcons a fifth-round pick and fined the franchise $250,000 for what the league said was "improper contact" with three players before the unrestricted free agency period. Those players —Cousins, receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Charlie Woerner.
Along with all that, Falcons GM Terry Fontenot was slapped with a $50,000 fine.
"While the policy permits clubs to engage with and negotiate all aspects of an NFL player contract with the certified agent of any prospective unrestricted free agent during the two-day negotiating period, any direct contact between the player and an employee or representative of the club is prohibited," the NFL said in a statement. "This includes discussion of travel arrangements or other logistical matters, which the club acknowledges took place with regard to these three players."
The Falcons are just happy it's over. And a fifth-rounder next spring is hardly a big deal.
"We are pleased this review is complete," the Falcons said in a statement. "We cooperated fully with the league and its review, and appreciate the NFL's thoroughness. As we do with every process, we will review how we operate and look for ways to improve."
Meanwhile, the league investigated but found no wrongdoing in the Philadelphia Eagles' signing of running back Saquon Barkley.
"In coming to this conclusion, the league reviewed phone logs, text messages and other documents related to Philadelphia's free agency and decision to sign Barkley," the league said in a statement. "The NFL also interviewed several members of the organization, including Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni, as well as Barkley and Penn State head coach James Franklin. As with every review, should new evidence be uncovered, the league may reopen the investigation."
