Falcons forfeit fifth-round pick, fined for tampering with Kirk Cousins

The Atlanta Falcons were stripped of a fifth-round pick in next year's draft for violating the NFL's anti-tampering rules.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins speaks during a news conference after an NFL football practice Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Flowery Branch, Ga. The Atlanta Falcons were stripped of a fifth-round pick in next year's draft on Thursday, June 13, for violating the NFL’s anti-tampering rules prior to signing quarterback Kirk Cousins.(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)

The Atlanta Falcons were stripped of a fifth-round pick in next year’s draft on Thursday for violating the NFL’s anti-tampering rules prior to signing quarterback Kirk Cousins.

The NFL also fined the team $250,000, while general manager Terry Fontenot has been fined $50,000.

The Falcons and Cousins agreed on a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed shortly after the league’s 52-hour legal tampering window opened.