The Atlanta Falcons had their 2025 fifth-round pick taken away for violating the NFL’s early trading rules before signing quarterback Kirk Cousins on Thursday.
The Falcons and Cousins agreed to terms on a four-year contract worth $180 million, including $100 million guaranteed, shortly after the legal 52-hour window for early negotiations opened.
It’s normal for teams and players to come to an agreement quickly and other players agreed to a contract before Cousins, but his comments during his introductory press conference raised questions that led to the investigation of the NFL.
Cousins, who is returning from a torn right Achilles tendon that ended his 2023 season after eight games, said he spoke to the team’s medical staff before they were cleared to enter the contact.
“There are great people here,” Cousins said. And it’s not just the football team. I also look at the support staff. There were meetings, I called our head physical trainer and the public relations manager yesterday. I think we have good people here. And it’s exciting to be a part of it. »
Teams are allowed to speak directly with agents – but not players – during this two-day negotiation period, unless the player represents himself.