Kosport Magazine: Cousins and Barkley’s Free Agency Moves May Come with Consequences
Two of the biggest names in free agency, quarterback Kirk Cousins and running back Saquon Barkley, have made headlines with their recent moves. Cousins left the Minnesota Vikings to sign with the Atlanta Falcons on a four-year, $180 million deal, while Barkley departed from the New York Giants to join the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year, $37.8 million contract.
However, these signings may come with consequences as allegations of tampering have surfaced. The NFL is currently investigating the matter, and while the 2024 draft picks for both teams will remain untouched for now, there is a possibility of draft pick losses in the future.
Cousins may have unintentionally implicated himself at his introductory press conference, where he praised the Falcons’ organization and staff. This could be seen as a violation of the NFL’s rules against first-person contact between players and teams during the legal tampering period.
Barkley’s former college coach, James Franklin, also hinted at potential tampering when he mentioned Barkley speaking with Eagles general manager Howie Roseman during the legal tampering period.
According to an ESPN report, discipline is expected to be handed out soon, with the Falcons likely facing harsher punishment due to Cousins’ on-the-record statement. In the past, the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs have faced consequences for tampering, with the Dolphins losing draft picks and receiving fines, and the Chiefs facing fines and losing a draft pick.
Kosport Magazine: The History of Tampering Punishments in the NFL
While the NFL’s investigation into the allegations of tampering involving Cousins and Barkley is ongoing, it’s worth looking at past instances of tampering and the consequences that followed.
In 2019, the Miami Dolphins were fined $1.5 million and lost a first-round draft pick in 2023, as well as a third-round pick in 2024, for tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton on three separate occasions. The team’s owner and vice chair were also fined for their involvement.
In 2015, the Kansas City Chiefs were fined $250,000 and lost a third-round draft pick in 2016 and a sixth-round pick in 2017 for tampering with Jeremy Maclin. The team’s head coach and general manager were also fined.
These punishments serve as a reminder to teams and players that tampering is a serious offense in the NFL and can result in significant consequences. As the league continues to investigate the allegations against the Falcons and Eagles, it remains to be seen what the final outcome will be for Cousins and Barkley’s free agency moves.
