Report: Orleans Saints could face significant discipline for….

The NFL’s investigation into tampering between the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons is almost over, and it sounds like one of the clubs might get serious punishment.

The possibility that Atlanta met with and recruited quarterback Kirk Cousins before league regulations permitted is under investigation. Similar accusations have been made against the Eagles regarding how they handled star running back Saquon Barkley. Adam Schefter of ESPN stated on Sunday that this week will probably see the league release its conclusions regarding the tampering investigations.

Schefter claims that the Falcons’ alleged infractions are seen to be “more significant” than Philadelphia’s, and that Atlanta would likely face “more severe” punishment as a result.

If a team is proved to have engaged in tampering, there is a precedent for severe punishment. The Miami Dolphins’ first-round and third-round selections in 2023 and 2024, respectively, were forfeited after the league found that the team had repeatedly broken tampering regulations in their efforts to sign Tom Brady and Sean Payton between 2019 and 2022. Stephen Ross, the owner of the Dolphins, also received a $1.5 million penalties.

Prior to that, the Chiefs’ offseason manipulation of wide receiver Jeremy Maclin in 2015 resulted in the forfeiture of a third-round pick in 2016 and a sixth-round pick in 2017. In addition to head coach Andy Reid’s $75,000 sentence, the franchise was fined $250,000, and former general manager John Dorsey’s $25,000 sanction was imposed.

There is almost any doubt that Atlanta broke the rules regarding tampering before signing Cousins. The 35-year-old acknowledged having direct contact with Falcons organization members prior to league regulations allowing it, so we know this. The “don’t ask, don’t tell” mentality is prevalent throughout the league, despite the fact that it is customary for teams to sign free agents before the window for legal tampering begins.