Kirk Cousins Praises O'Connell, Sparks NFL Tampering Investigation

Annamarie Mohr
June 14, 2024 07:03am
230

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell acknowledges the significant role former quarterback Kirk Cousins played in his coaching development. However, Cousins' comments during his introductory press conference with the Atlanta Falcons have triggered an NFL investigation into potential tampering violations.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell joined Colin Cowherd on "The Herd" to express his gratitude for the impact that now-Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins had on his coaching career. O'Connell believes that Cousins' experience and leadership were instrumental in his own growth as a coach.

However, Cousins' comments during his introductory news conference with the Atlanta Falcons raised suspicions among NFL officials. Cousins alluded to having contact with the team's medical staff before the permissible negotiation period, sparking an investigation into potential tampering violations.

Kirk Cousins Praises O'Connell, Sparks NFL Tampering Investigation

NFL teams are prohibited from directly contacting players during the two-day negotiation window, unless the player represents himself. Violating this policy can result in severe penalties, including fines and draft pick forfeiture.

The NFL investigation concluded that the Atlanta Falcons violated the league's tampering policy during their pursuit of Cousins, wide receiver Darnell Mooney, and tight end Charlie Woerner. As a result, the Falcons forfeited a fifth-round pick in the 2025 draft and were fined $250,000. General manager Terry Fontenot was also fined $50,000.

Kirk Cousins Praises O'Connell, Sparks NFL Tampering Investigation

Despite the tampering controversy, Cousins secured a lucrative four-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons, with an estimated $100 million in guarantees.

During the legal tampering window, teams and players are permitted to discuss contract terms through certified agents. However, any direct contact between players and team employees is strictly prohibited.

Kirk Cousins Praises O'Connell, Sparks NFL Tampering Investigation

In a separate investigation, the NFL cleared the Philadelphia Eagles of any wrongdoing in their courtship of running back Saquon Barkley.

The NFL has been cracking down on tampering violations in recent years. In 2022, the Miami Dolphins were severely punished for tampering with then-New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton.