Falcons signing former 49ers tight end results in tampering violation originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
The Atlanta Falcons were picked in the fifth round of the 2025 draft and fined $250,000 by the NFL for violating the league’s anti-tampering policy.
The league found there were “logistical violations” related to the Falcons’ signings of quarterback Kirk Cousins, wide receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Charlier Woerner.
“While the policy allows clubs to engage and negotiate all aspects of an NFL player contract with the certified agent of any potential unrestricted free agent during the two-day negotiation period, any direct contact between the player and an official or club representative is prohibited,” the NFL explained in a declaration. “This includes discussions regarding travel plans or other logistical issues, which the club acknowledges have occurred in relation to these three players.”
In addition to the lost draft pick and the team’s fine, Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot was fined $50,000.
“We are pleased that this review is competitive,” the Falcons said in a team statement. “We fully cooperate with the league and its review, and we appreciate the league’s rigor. As we do with every process, we will review how we operate and look for ways to improve.”
Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons on March 11, two days before the start of the new league year. In his introductory press conference, Cousins indicated that he spoke with the Falcons’ head coach before the start of the league year.
Teams are not allowed to speak directly to players during the 52-hour free agent negotiation window at the start of a new league year. Instead, they can speak to agents. Cousins is represented by Mike McCartney.
The NFL found no evidence that the Falcons contacted players or their representatives before the free agency negotiating window.
As for the other players, Mooney went from the Chicago Bears to the Falcons in free agency on a three-year deal worth $39 million. Woerner signed a three-year, $12 million contract with the Falcons after spending his first four NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.
In a separate investigation, the NFL cleared the Philadelphia Eagles of tampering allegations against running back Saquon Barkley.
