CAUTION: This article features an image of NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Recently, Adam Schefter from ESPN reported that the National Football League (NFL) is expected to announce the outcomes of its investigations into potential tampering violations involving the Atlanta Falcons and the Philadelphia Eagles during this year’s NFL free agency period. These findings could have significant implications for the teams involved and their roster decisions moving forward.

The Eagles are under scrutiny for allegedly contacting the former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley before formally signing him, but our primary focus lies on the situation concerning the Falcons. It appears they may have engaged in tampering with quarterback Kirk Cousins while he was still under contract with the Minnesota Vikings, a breach that Cousins himself has openly acknowledged.

To recap, Cousins revealed in an interview that he had discussions with members of the Falcons’ coaching staff during the legal tampering window regarding his Achilles injury. According to NFL regulations, teams are prohibited from directly contacting players during this period; only agents are permitted to engage in discussions. If the Falcons’ coaching staff indeed reached out to Cousins, it would constitute a violation of these regulations, resulting in serious consequences.

The NFL had hoped to conclude the investigation before this year’s NFL Draft, especially if any draft pick penalties or forfeitures were to be imposed. However, the league was unable to finalize the findings in time, causing uncertainty among teams affected by this potential tampering scandal.

While a resolution may be reached soon, the extent of the penalties the Falcons might face remains uncertain. Furthermore, it is unclear whether any sanctions imposed on Atlanta would benefit the Vikings in a tangible way. In previous tampering cases, teams found guilty have had to forfeit draft picks, as seen when the Kansas City Chiefs lost selections for their dealings with wide receiver Jeremy Maclin in 2015. Conversely, in a more recent incident involving the Eagles and the Arizona Cardinals, a swap of third-round picks occurred, with the Cardinals receiving an additional fifth-round pick from Philadelphia.

Given that the Vikings currently lack second, third, and fourth-round picks in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft due to previous trades, receiving any form of compensation for the Cousins situation would be advantageous for the franchise. Nonetheless, considering the Vikings‘ history, it may be wise not to hold our breath awaiting such an outcome.