The Falcons and Kirk Cousins tampering controversy reached a climax just before the draft, with some commentators claiming it could have an impact on the Falcons’ 8th overall pick. That did not happen, and no settlement has been reached as of yet. Most likely, the Falcons will face some form of sanction, such as a fine and an impact on next year’s draft picks, given Cousins openly admitted to tampering in his first press conference after joining Atlanta.
The truth is that tampering could be the dumbest rule in the NFL. It is ignored by the entire league and rarely results in any punishment. However, in this situation, it has been so clearly recognised that the NFL feels compelled to respond.
The Falcons’ interference with Kirk Cousins had no impact on his decision. Cousins stated today at OTAs that if anything improper occurred, it was only innocent chats.
If anything, it expedited the process. Cousins signed with the Falcons because they offered more years, more total money, and more guarantees. End of story. The punishment must fit the crime, and the crime was harmless. I don’t expect anything much to come of this investigation other than a fine and perhaps a swap of draft picks on Day 2 or 3 of next year’s draft.
