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The 2024 NFL Draft is taking over the football world, however, the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles are still embroiled in an investigation that could hamper their hopes in the upcoming draft.
A spokesperson for the NFL announced last month that both franchises are under investigation for their respective trades of quarterback Kirk Cousins and running back Saquon Barkley. Both franchises allegedly reached a quick agreement with the players when the legal tampering window opened for trades in the NFL.
This speedy process drew the NFL's attention, and NFL insider Adam Schefter believes this investigation will conclude within this week. He wrote:
“The NFL's investigation into alleged tampering charges against the Falcons for their involvement with then-free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Eagles for their involvement with then-free-agent running back Saquon Barkley is ongoing and could reach a conclusion as early as this week, per sources.”
The insider also claimed the punishment, if any, could be harsher for the Falcons than the Eagles:
“Sources believe the discipline, which is likely to involve draft picks, is expected to be more severe for the Falcons.”
If the punishment by the NFL ends up costing the franchises their picks in the draft, it could be a long and tough season for both. However, they’re yet to find out their respective punishments.
Eagles and Falcons can expect tampering punishments
The NFL, on previous occasions, has handed out tough punishments for violating the tampering window. The Miami Dolphins had to relinquish their first-round pick in 2023 and a third-round pick in this upcoming draft for tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton on three occasions between 2019 and 2022.
The Kansas City Chiefs in 2015 lost their 2016 third-round and 2017 sixth-round picks for tampering with Jeremy Maclin. They were also fined $250,000 with additional fines on head coach Andy Reid ($75,000) and GM John Dorsey ($25,000).
