NFL Rumors: Ruling on Falcons' Cousins, Eagles' Barkley Tampering Expected This Week

The NFL is expected to make rulings this week in the tampering investigations against the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The league has been looking into whether the Falcons and/or Eagles had impermissible contact with quarterback Kirk Cousins and running back Saquon Barkley respectively.

Cousins, who's recovering from a torn Achilles, told reporters during his introductory press conference he had spoken directly with some Falcons employees, including the head athletic trainer, before the NFL's league year had begun.

The Eagles, meanwhile, can thank Barkley's college coach for their current predicament. Penn State's James Franklin said Philly general manager Howie Roseman had spoken with the two-time Pro Bowler before he would've been permitted to do so.

Both teams denied they tampered with their marquee free-agent signings.

Schefter reported in April the discipline for Atlanta "is expected to be more severe for the Falcons" and echoed that tone again Sunday. He wrote the Falcons could get hit harder than the Eagles because their "alleged transgressions are considered more significant."

Schefter cited past precedent, pointing to the Miami Dolphins forfeiting a 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 third-rounder when they were found to have tampered with Tom Brady and Sean Payton. The Kansas City Chiefs were also docked third- and sixth-round picks in connection to their 2015 signing of Jeremy Maclin.

Atlanta and Philadelphia were somewhat fortunate in that the NFL's ruling didn't come down before the 2024 NFL draft. That would've left Roseman and Falcons GM Terry Fontenot scrambling to rethink their approach with potentially one or more fewer picks.

Now, the front offices will have ample time to adjust to whatever decision the league hands down.