Eagles Cleared While Falcons Penalized In NFL Tampering Investigations

The Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday were cleared of NFL tampering charges connected to their signing of running back Saquon Barkley while the Atlanta Falcons were found to have violated the same policy in their free agency chase of quarterback Kirk Cousins and others.

So this is the tale of two birds that today are quite obviously not of the same feather.

Jun 3, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) is interviewed after Falcons OTA at the Falcons Training facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons Lose Draft Pick And Dollars

The NFL informed the Falcons on Thursday they violated the anti-tampering policies and Atlanta will forfeit its original fifth-round draft pick in the 2025 draft and pay a fine of $250,000, while general manager Terry Fontenot has been fined $50,000.

The league determined Fontenot and the Falcons tampered in the acquisition of Cousins, tight end Charlie Woemer, and wide receiver Darnell Mooney.

So, from the looks of this, the Falcons either didn't know the tampering rules or simply ignored them in multiple instances.

In a statement, the NFL said: "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.

"This includes discussion of travel arrangements or other logistical matters, which the club acknowledges took place with regard to these three players."

Feb 27, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot during the NFL Scouting Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Cousins Presser Launched Investigation

Indeed, there was reason for the NFL to believe the team directly communicated with Cousins at least during the negotiating window while he was still under contract with the Vikings. And the reason to believe this is Cousins said as much during his introductory press conference.

"There’s great people here," Cousins said at his introductory press conference back in March. "And it’s not just the football team. I mean, I’m looking at the support staff. Meeting – calling, yesterday calling our athletic trainer, talking to our head of P.R. I’m thinking we got good people here. And that’s exciting to be a part of."

The "yesterday" Cousins was referring to was the Tuesday during the negotiating period when his agent was able to have contact with the team but he (as the player) was prohibited from such contact.

Had Cousins not slipped and suggested he spoke with club employees before signing, an investigation would probably not have begun.

Upon the investigation starting, the Falcons obviously came forward and acknowledged contact with the other players as well.

Mar 14, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley speaks during a press conference after signing with the team. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Barkley Talk With Franklin Raised Eyebrows

The Eagles, meanwhile, were informed on Thursday that "after a thorough review" into the signing of Barkley, it "did not discover sufficient evidence to support a finding that the anti-tampering policy was violated."

The Eagles investigation, per the NFL, included a review of phone logs, text messages and other documents related to the Eagles free agency strategy and decision to sign Barkley.

The league said it interviewed general manager Howie Roseman and coach Nick Sirianni among others within the Eagles organization. The league also spoke with Penn State head coach James Franklin.

The reason Franklin was involved is he told Sports Illustrated that he spoke with Barkley prior to the start of the free agency period and the player gave him details of the "pitch" Roseman gave him for signing with Philly.

Philadelphia Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman.   (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Roseman ‘Pitch’ Apparently Inbounds

Again, this was before Barkley was supposed to be speaking with Roseman.

"He said that was one of the first things that Howie said to him on the phone as part of his sales pitch," Franklin said before the start of free agency on March 13.. "Not only the Philadelphia Eagles and that but also the connection with Penn State and the fan base as well. So just a really cool opportunity."

The league obviously couldn't confirm the time line of this conversation between Roseman and Barkley fell outside anti-tampering rules. 

But, the league said it retains the right to reopen its investigation of the Eagles if new evidence is uncovered.