Sources: NFL tampering rulings likely this week

Adam Schefter, ESPN Senior WriterJun 2, 2024, 09:49 AM ET
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- Former president of the Pro Football Writers of America and the author of four books

A resolution in the alleged free agent tampering cases of the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles is likely to come this week, per league sources.

The Falcons have been investigated for the contact they may or may not have had with then-free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins before he signed with Atlanta. The Eagles have been investigated for the contact they may or may not have had with then-free agent running back Saquon Barkley. The NFL has spoken to various members of both organizations.

One league source indicated that the Falcons’ alleged transgressions are considered more significant, and the discipline is expected to be more severe for Atlanta.

In the past, the league has taken tampering seriously and disciplined teams accordingly.

The Miami Dolphins forfeited their 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 third-round selection for tampering with quarterback Tom Brady and coach Sean Payton on three occasions from 2019 to 2022. Team owner Stephen Ross and vice chairman/limited partner Bruce Beal were fined; Ross was fined $1.5 million, while Beal was fined $500,000.

The Kansas City Chiefs forfeited their 2016 third-round pick and a 2017 sixth-round selection for tampering with wide receiver Jeremy Maclin in 2015. The Chiefs were also fined $250,000. Coach Andy Reid was fined $75,000, and then-general manager John Dorsey was fined $25,000.